06/03/2026
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**June 3, 2026**
**Kewanee Police Department Investigating Shooting Incident**
On 06/02/2026 at approximately 1:26 p.m., officers with the Kewanee Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Boss Street after receiving a 911 call reporting that a male subject had suffered a gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, officers located a 20-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Personnel from the Kewanee Fire Department provided immediate medical aid at the scene, and the victim was transported to OSF Saint Luke Medical Center for treatment. The victim was later transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria by Life Flight. The victim is expected to survive his injuries.
During the initial response, officers were provided with suspect and vehicle information. Shortly after the initial call, a Kewanee officer located the suspect vehicle. Officers conducted a felony traffic stop in the 2000 block of Kentville Road, and the suspect, identified as Samuel Guzman, 34, of Kewanee, was taken into custody without incident.
Based on the preliminary investigation, the victim and Guzman were known to one another. The incident occurred after an argument between the two subjects. The preliminary investigation indicates that during the altercation, Guzman allegedly retrieved a firearm and shot the victim in the stomach. The victim was able to disarm Guzman, who then fled the scene.
After Guzman was taken into custody, officers began a thorough investigation. The investigation included victim and witness statements, suspect statements, review of video footage, and the collection of evidence. The Illinois State Police assisted with evidence collection at the scene. The suspected firearm used in the incident was recovered.
Guzman was transported to the Henry County Jail. On June 3, 2026, the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the following formal charges against Guzman:
• Attempted Murder - Class X Felony
• Aggravated Battery with a Firearm - Class X Felony
• Possession of a Weapon by a Felon - Class 2 Felony
• Possession of a Defaced Firearm - Class 3 Felony
A Class X felony carries a potential sentence of 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Some of the charges may also be subject to sentencing enhancements.
Guzman is set to appear in Henry County Court for a preliminary hearing on 06/15/2026 at 1:00 p.m.
This remains an active investigation. The Kewanee Police Department would like to thank the Kewanee Fire Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police, and the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance.
Guzman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
