MONROE — Freeport police recently announced that they arrested a Monroe man and charged him with murder in what they said is likely a case of gang violence involving a machine gun.

Christopher Scott, 20, faces murder and gun charges in connection with the death of Montrell Scott. Scott was reportedly hit by gunfire on Feb. 10 in the area of Galena Ave. and Dexter St. near Freeport’s downtown.

Police maintain the victim and the suspect are not at all related. Earlier in the investigation, police said they believed the incident also wasn’t random — and most likely gang related. 

Police say Christopher Scott was arrested the morning of May 4, at about 9:30 a.m., when he was found in a vehicle in the area of Chicago Ave. and Empire Street in Freeport. A warrant had been issued for him on April 12.

According to police, a short foot-chase ensued and he was caught and taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and officers with the Freeport Police Department.

Scott is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a machine gun. He remains in Stephenson County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond.

“The Freeport Police Department would like to express their deepest condolences to the family of Montrell Scott, as well as the department’s sincere appreciation for the family’s patience and understanding during the three-month long investigation,” police said in a social media post about the arrest.

Scott is scheduled for his next court appearance at 9 a.m. June 8, before Stephenson County Circuit Judge Michael P. Bald.