The Normal Police Department is updating the status of the ongoing homicide investigation of Tariq L. Houston that occurred on New Year’s Eve:
Since this incident occurred, members of the Normal Police Department, in cooperation with our local, state and federal partners, have worked tirelessly on this case. In the course of the investigation our department arrested Garrett Riley Ahlfield, an 18-year-old male from Bloomington, for acts related to but were not the cause of the homicide.
Video evidence from the scene, along with other physical evidence, developed sufficient probable cause to show that a short time after Tariq Houston was shot, a second individual, later identified as Ahlfield, approached a group surrounding the victim, some of who were rendering aid. Ahlfield, produced a handgun as he walked up to the crowd and proceeded to fire five rounds from a handgun into the air and then fled the immediate area on foot. Ahlfield remains held in the McLean County Jail on a $300,000 bond on the following charges;
1 Count Aggravated UUW/Person Delinquent Minor, 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6(a)2)A Class 2 Felony
1 Count Possession of Firearm without a FOID 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3)(2)(N) Class 3 Felony
5 Counts Reckless Discharge of a Firearm 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3.2(B)(7) Class 4 Felony
2 Counts Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon 730 ILCS 5/5-5-3.2(B)(7) Class 4 Felony
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Members of the Normal Police Department are working diligently to develop further information that will lead us to the individual responsible for the shooting of Tariq Houston.
*** All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law ***
