EAST PEORIA, Ill. – Protests over the murderous death of George Floyd continued Saturday night across America, with early curfews even being set in many major cities.
While law enforcement agencies prepared for protestor vs. police scenes at various Central Illinois locations, the East Peoria Walmart and Lowe’s saw the brunt of the action.
Pepper balls were used shortly before 11:00 to break up a crowd in the Walmart parking lot throwing bricks at East Peoria Police.
Just across the way from Walmart, at Lowe’s, a small fire broke out and items were reportedly taken from the nursery.
Reports surfaced early in the evening about crowds gathering at Walmart stores on University, Allen, and in Grand Prairie, though no significant incidents materialized from these.
City of Pekin Public Information Officer Billie Jo Ingles said that city was spared.
“We had several reports of business’ [sic] within the city being potential targets,” she said in a statement.
“As a result, for precautionary purposes, extra officers were called in.
“There were no incidents in Pekin.”
Peoria fire crews responded Sunday shortly after 1 A.M. to 1511 W. Lincoln (the former Butternut Bread building) to reports of an RV ablaze.
Battalion Chief Clint Kuhlman said the RV was purposely set on fire, but it was unknown as to whether that was in conjunction with the other area incidents.
