UPDATE: Clarence Otis is in Custody Tonight after being Located in Rockford, IL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**UPDATE**
Man Sought In Kendall County Search Taken Into Custody
Kendall County, IL (September 29, 2020, 8:00 PM)
On September 24, 2020, at approximately 2:27 pm, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office responded to Route 52 and Lisbon Rd for a report of a traffic crash. While responding to the scene of the crash deputies learned the subject, later identified as 28-year old Clarence M. Otis, who was involved in the crash, was reported to have left the scene on foot. Information was also gathered that Otis was a suspect in a shooting incident in Canton, IL, and had a warrant issued for one count of aggravated battery with a firearm (Class X Felony) and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 Felony). This incident is alleged to have occurred earlier in the day on September 25, 2020, in Canton, IL. Information obtained indicated Otis may be in possession of a firearm. When deputies arrived on the scene a perimeter was established and a methodical, thorough search of the area was initiated. All available search methods were utilized including several K-9 units, drones, assistance from Illinois State Police Air Operations using thermal imaging technology, along with numerous law enforcement officers from agencies throughout the area who responded to assist. Despite an exhaustive search, Otis was not located.
At the conclusion of the search, the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office reached out to surrounding law enforcement agencies and area hospitals providing information about the crash and the possibility of Mr. Otis seeking medical treatment as a result of the crash. On September 29, 2020, a subject claiming to be Clarence Otis checked himself into a hospital in Winnebago County, IL for medical treatment stemming from a traffic crash and indicated he was being sought by police. Rockford Police Department responded and will be taking Mr. Otis into custody on his outstanding warrant pending release from the hospital. The Kendall County investigation is still active and detectives will continue to work with supporting agencies to bring these cases to closure.
