PEORIA, Ill. – “Please know where your children are at all times!”
That’s the message from Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria, after juveniles are suspected of committing crimes during what turned out to be an Anti-violence Initiative Directed Patrol detail Wednesday night.
In one of them, two males — one 12 and one 13 — are suspected of trying to break in to vehicles on North Dries Lane.
The juveniles fled when officers arrived, but police say they were arrested after a foot chase.
The two were arrested on charges of Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, before being released to their parents.
Police say during the event, a ShotSpotter Alert came in just before seven p-m near Garden and Westmoreland.
An estimated 30 rounds were fired, with three more being fired in the same area shortly thereafter, damaging several homes and vehicles.
It’s believed two juveniles were seen firing fully automatic handguns at a passing car before fleeing on foot.
No suspects were found, and it remains under investigation.
A total of six people were arrested, and 11 tickets were issued.
Peoria and State Police along with a State Police helicopter were involved in the action Wednesday.
“The City of Peoria is currently experiencing an uptick in juvenile crimes. Parents, we need your help! We need you to be responsible and know where your children are at all times. Many crimes are happening during curfew hours. The curfew was put in place to make sure juveniles are safe at home with their families and not on our streets committing crimes. We all must do our part to make sure our streets are safe for all community members day and night. PLEASE KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AT ALL TIMES!” — Chief Eric Echevarria statement
