PEORIA,Ill. — Peoria Police were called to multiple incidents Sunday night to local businesses on reports of break-ins and fires. Officers were also called to a stabbing and shooting.
The violence follows a weekend full of anti-police protests and looting across the nation.
Peoria Police were called around 7:20 p.m. Sunday to a stabbing in the 300 block of NE Jefferson Street. About an hour and half later, officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of E. Kansas. Both victims’ injuries were said to be non-life-threatening.
Fires were reported at Peoria Motors on Forrest Hill and Prospect, Tire King on W. Loucks and at Uftring Weston Chevrolet Cadillac on War Memorial Drive overnight.
Fire Battalion Chief Stephen Rada said fires were set all over Peoria.
“We responded to over a dozen car fires, several building fires, including a couple residential homes. Most of those are suspected as being arson fires at this time,” Rada said.
Fires in Peoria began around 10 p.m. Sunday.
“It really did not let up until about 4:30 this (Monday) morning. I can say that virtually every engine in the city was at some point running at full capacity,” Rada said.
Peoria Police stationed officers Sunday night at the Wal-mart on University, the Target off War Memorial and the Northwoods Mall on reports of vandalism.
Police said over 100 vehicles were seen driving recklessly through Peoria Sunday night, running traffic lights, nearly crashing into each other at times.
