PEORIA, Ill. — There were dozens of vehicle stops and nearly a dozen arrests, including one suspect taken into custody carrying a firearm outside the already troubled Lexington Hills Apartment complex.
Peoria Police are announcing results of another directed patrol effort launched Thursday.
Officers from PPD’s Special Investigations Division and its Neighborhood Services Unit joined in the response.
They say as part of the effort, one armed suspect was detained in the area of Lexington Hills Apartments, where several incidents of violence have been reported in recent weeks.
In all, police say they made 42 vehicle stops during Thursday’s directed patrol as well as 10 arrests.
One of those arrests included a juvenile caught with a firearm carrying an extended ammo magazine.
In a statement, Police Chief Eric Echavarria said his officers are doing a “great job” ridding Peoria’s streets of illegal guns and drugs.
Here are full details of the Thursday patrol released by PPD;
(Peoria, IL) – Thursday, May 12, 2022, local law enforcement officers conducted another Directed Patrol Detail. This detail included members of the Peoria Police Department’s Special Investigations Division (SID), Patrol Operations, and Neighborhood Services Unit (NSU). There was a total of 28 law enforcement officers participating in this detail.
In keeping with departmental transparency, the following summarizes the results of last night’s efforts: Approximately 42 vehicle stops were conducted, resulting in several citations and numerous warnings. 10 arrests were made, and illegal narcotics were seized. 4 tickets were issued, 1 vehicle was impounded, and 2 weapons were seized. Below is a brief synopsis of major incidents during the detail.
· 700 blk. of NE Adams: At approximately 12:46 a.m. Members of the Peoria Police
Department’s Special Investigation’s Division (SID) located a subject with an
outstanding warrant at the above address. The juvenile subject was believed to have
previously fled from SID Officers and was also believed to be armed. When officers
attempted to apprehend the subject a short foot pursuit ensued. A short time later the
subject was apprehended with minimal force. During a search of the subject officers
found a loaded Glock handgun with an extended magazine on his person. The
handgun was later found to be stolen. The juvenile was transported to the Peoria
County Juvenile Detention Center for weapons charges and warrants on file.
PPD Incident # 22-8400.
· 3000 blk. W. Oakcrest: At approximately 9:26 p.m. members of the Peoria Police
Department’s Special Investigation’s Division (SID) were patrolling the Lexington
Hills area due to recent incidents of shots fired. While there, officers observed a male
subject who ran away when he saw officers’ approach. As officers were investigating,
another male fled from officers on foot. After several commands from officers to stop,
both subjects eventually complied and were detained. During a search of the area
where the two males ran, officers located a handgun that was later determined to be
stolen. One of the males was found to have an outstanding warrant on file and was
arrested. The second subject was later released without charge. This case remains
under investigation. PPD Incident # 22-8444
Additional Information: During this detail there was one ShotSpotter alert.
There was one reported Motor Vehicle Theft (22-4281). The vehicle was later
recovered but no suspects were arrested.
Three vehicles fled from detail cars (22-8445, 22-8437, and 22-8438). One vehicle
was located by officers and impounded.
Message from Chief Echevarria:
“Our officers are continuing to do a great job with these Directed Patrols by making
arrests and ridding our streets of illegal drugs and weapons. And while some cases do
not end with arrests made, our officers are still dedicated to keeping these threats off
the streets of our great city.”
