PEORIA, Ill. – A jury is backing Peoria Police and an officer who shot and killed a suspect several years ago.
The federal jury Thursday ruled in favor of the City of Peoria in a lawsuit against the city’s police department and Officer Ryan Isonhart.
The family of Luis Cruz sued the city, seeking$15.2 million in damages after Isonhart shot and killed Cruz, 19, after Cruz tried to flee a traffic stop and displayed a weapon back in 2018.
Isonhart early on in the trial claimed he feared for his partner’s life.
Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria says in a prepared statement that while he’s pleased with the verdict, there are people still hurting, and that his department will keep working on building relationships in the community.
“We acknowledge the hard work of the legal staff and dedication of the jury on this case. Every officer-involved shooting is difficult for the community and the members of the Peoria Police Department. While we are pleased with the verdict, we also recognize that many people in our community are still hurting. The men and women of the Peoria Police Department remain committed to building relationships across our community.” – Eric Echevarria, Chief of Police, statement
