PEORIA, Ill. – Thirteen people arrested, two guns seized — one of which stolen — and 42 traffic stops where drivers got cited or warned.
Those are some of the details Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria has provided after 22 of his officers took part in another Anti-Violence Initiative special enforcement detail Thursday.
Echevarria says in a statement the patrols have proven successful because getting illegal guns and violent offenders off the streets is the goal and “my continued promise to you.”
He says officers did conduct some covert operations to find violent offenders, and followed up on active invetigations.
Police say officers conducted a stop on a car on North Elmwood Street during the detail, when a 17-year-old male fled on foot from the back seat.
He allegedly refused officers’ commands to stop and drop a handgun, but was later caught on North Gale. The gun and a second magazine also were found.
The juvenile faces charges of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Handgun Without a FOID Card, Possession of a Handgun Under 21, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing Police.
The car that was stopped fled and hasn’t been found.
“This is another example of how successful our Directed Patrols are. As a result of last night’s efforts, two illegal handguns were seized. Ridding our streets of illegal guns and violent offenders is the goal of this department and my continued promise to you.” — Chief Eric Echevarria statement
