PEORIA, Ill. – It’s been awhile since Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria has talked about any Special Enforcement Details related to his ongoing Anti-Violence Initiative.
But, as it turns out, another such detail happened Thursday. The chief says six people were arrested, three handguns were recovered, and drugs were taken.
Among the arrests related to weapons, police say, Eemer Henderson, 28, was arrested near 600 N. Hightower after being found to be wanted in Bloomington as a fugitive, but also allegedly had drugs and a stolen weapon on him. In addition to charges in Peoria, Henderson is awaiting extradition back to Bloomington.
Police say officers stopped a vehicle near Main and Ellis, and a 17-year-old passenger got out and fled, allegedly with a gun in his hand. He was taken into custody eventually, and charged with a number of counts including Possession of a Handgun Under 21. The juvenile remains in custody.
Also, officers stopped a vehicle on West brighton late Thursday night, when it was determined one of the passengers had a loaded gun on him. Jerry Hawkins faces charges including Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession while Under 21, and having no FOID card. Hawkins is in jail.
In addition to drugs and weapons being recovered during the detail, three stolen vehicles were recovered.
“The Peoria Police Department is committed to ridding our streets of illegal weapons and drugs that are seized during our Directed Patrols,” said Echevarria, in a news release. “Our department is using every resource available to continue these details and arrest those who commit crimes in this great city of ours.”
