ROCKFORD, IL — Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana confirmed one person was shot around 4:15 p.m. Friday at the CherryVale Mall, according to local reports. Police arrived at the scene to find a man who appeared to be between the ages of 25 and 30 shot in the head, and the Winnebago County Coroner was called to the scene. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as Ricky Smith, 31, of Dekalb.

The shooting appeared to have taken place outside the Macy's on the south end of the shopping complex, according to WTVO. Another person in the car was interviewed by police, and police dogs canvassed the area for evidence but there were no reports of any arrests.



Cops were reportedly looking for a dark colored SUV and focusing on a vehicle stopped on a curb near the entrance to the mall. The victim was in his car when he was shot, according to WREX.