Rockford officer acquitted in Christmas Eve shooting | MyStateline

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – A Rockford police officer was acquitted Friday in the investigation into an officer-involved shooting.

This morning, the Winnebago County District Attorney cleared police Officer Michael Rhein of any wrongdoing in connection with the shooting of Patrick Kirby.

The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve in the 1300 block of Charles Street, near UW Health SwedishAmerican.

According to the Winnebago County District Attorney’s Office, officers were called by an apartment resident who claimed her neighbor repeatedly said things like “help me” and “kill me.”

Officers managed to get into the apartment and immediately arrived at the door where they were met by Patrick Kirby, who was holding a knife and a box cutter, police reported.

Officers ordered Kirby to drop the weapon, but he continued to advance and an officer, identified as Officer Michael Rhein, fired three shots, killing Kirby.

The months-long investigation, which reviewed body camera footage and witness statements, found that Rhein’s actions were justified because Kirby posed a threat to harm officers and others.