Police departments from the Rockford area and Winnebago County blocked the intersection of Lyford Road and East State Street and access to the Diocesan Administration Center on April 22 while they dealt with a standoff with a man at the Days Inn (left top).

 

Employees were notified before the building opened at 8:30 a.m. that it would be closed until further notice. An all-clear was issued shortly after 11 a.m.

 

The incident followed a police report that Matthew Ronan of Loves Park, who was wanted on a police warrant,  was staying at the Days Inn and was armed with at least one handgun. Other guests were evacuated safely from the building.

 

Ronan surrendered peacefully just after 10 a.m. Cherry Valley Police, Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies and SWAT team, Illinois State Police and Cherry Valley Fire Department responded to the incident.

 

The Days Inn is less than half a mile from the diocesan offices, where the photo (left bottom) was taken.