Beloit Police Arrest Suspect After Shooting Leaves 1 Injured

Victim suffers gunshot wounds to hand and hip, expected to recover

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Beloit Police Department arrested a 44-year-old man after a shooting incident left one person with gunshot wounds to the hand and hip. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is expected to be okay. The suspect, Willie E. Bland, was arrested and is facing charges for felon in possession of a firearm and a probation violation.

Why it matters

Gun violence and public safety are ongoing concerns in many communities, and this incident highlights the need for effective law enforcement response and prosecution of individuals who illegally possess firearms, especially those with prior criminal records.

The details

According to the Beloit Police Department, the shooting occurred just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the hand and hip and was transported to a local hospital, where they are expected to recover. Police arrested 44-year-old Willie E. Bland, who is facing charges for felon in possession of a firearm and a probation violation. Bland was taken to the Rock County Jail.

  • The shooting occurred just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Beloit Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the shooting incident.

Willie E. Bland

A 44-year-old man arrested by the Beloit Police Department and charged with felon in possession of a firearm and a probation violation.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing gun violence and the importance of effective law enforcement response and prosecution of individuals who illegally possess firearms, especially those with prior criminal records.