Rockford PD Responds to Bomb Threat, Arrest Felon at Airbnb Party on Same Night

It was a wild Saturday night in Rockford for local law enforcement, including a bomb threat at a hospital.

Bomb Threat Prompts Hospital Response

A bomb threat was called into UW Health Swedish American Hospital on Saturday evening (4/19) that triggered an immediate police response.

According to the RPD press release, officers responded to the hospital at approximately 5:05 p.m. on Saturday after receiving the threat, quickly secured the scene, and determined the threat was unfounded.

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After an investigation, Rockford Police authorities identified the suspect as 44-year-old Timothy Fullerton of Rockford. He has been charged with Disorderly Conduct (Bomb Threat), and was booked into the Winnebago County Jail until his next court date.

Gun Arrest at Airbnb Party

Just hours later, in an unrelated incident, Rockford Police were called to a party being held at an Airbnb rental unit in the 4500 block of Dogwood Circle.

Rockford Police officers arrived on the scene around 10:40 p.m. and began clearing the gathering. They also attempted to question an attendee at the party.

According to the report, Rockford Police SCOPE officers identified the individual as 25-year-old Jerry Rockette from Rockford, who allegedly fled the scene but was quickly apprehended.

After reviewing the details of the incident on Dogwood Circle, prosecutors authorized charges against Rockette:

• Possession of a Firearm by Repeat Felony Offender
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon
• No Valid FOID
• Resisting Arrest

These charges are merely accusations, and all individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Public Encouraged to Come Forward

Rockford Police are urging anyone who may have information about the bomb threat or the incident at the Airbnb party to contact them at 815-966-2900, on Facebook (@RockfordIllinoisPoliceDepartment) or X (@RockfordPD).