PEORIA, Ill. — For the second time this month, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria is talking about the consequences people will face if they take part in rolling caravans and pop-up parties.
Echevarria says his department has been seeing more of these incidents as the weather turns warmer, and he’s concerned about what might happen during the long Memoria Day weekend.
Wednesday, Echevarria issued a plea for peace in a video on PPD’s Facebook page.
“This type of illegal action will not be tolerated in our city. The Peoria Police Department will continue issuing citations for vehicles involved in these activities. Specific to Memorial Day weekend, we will actively enforce all local ordinances and state laws when these caravans take place,” Echevarria says.
The chief says cars involved in caravans will be towed, and that could cost the owners at least $500.
“Our officers will use all investigative tools to take enforcement action, including video systems and license plate reader cameras,” Echevarria says.
In the video, Echevarria asks residents to know where their vehicles are, and who’s behind the wheel.
“Please Peoria, do your part to keep our streets safe from traffic violators or be ready to pay some pretty hefty fines,” the chief says.
Echevarria held a rare weekend news conference on Saturday, May 6, a day after a particular busy Friday night for PPD, when four people were arrested and rolling caravans left skid marks on Water and Main Streets downtown.
