Suspect in Chicago-area medical clinic shooting in custody

ROCKFORD, IL -- A gunman who held police at bay for hours inside a medical clinic in Rockford after firing shots inside the building is now in custody, police say.

Police said a man opened fire on the second floor of the Crusader Community Health Clinic in the 1100-block of Broadway around 2:30 p.m. Monday. Anywhere from two to five shots were fired, police said.

Police responded quickly and all patients and staff made it out of the building safely. No one was injured in the incident.

Rockford police said the shooter was quickly contained, but kept them at bay for a few hours. Negotiators said the gunman surrendered not long after asking for his family.

"They were talking the whole time, it was a very amiable conversation from what I understand. And after four plus hours, he just said he was ready to go," said Patrick Hoey, Rockford Police Dept.

Police said the suspect was taken into custody peacefully and without incident around 6:30 p.m. He was transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Both police and clinic executives said clinic staff handled the situation professionally, which helped maintain everyone's safety.

"I just can't say enough good things about really, the responsiveness and the teamwork. It could have had a potential really bad outcome," said Gordon Eggers, CEO, Crusader Community Health.

Police said they have identified the shooter as a male Rockford resident in his 30s. They have not released his name or said if he will face any charges.