UPDATED 1:01 p.m. – Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria says he will not allow his officers to be subjected to aggressive behavior, under any circumstances.
Echevarria’s statement followed an incident in downtown Peoria that resulted in two men being shot and multiple arrests.
Officers responded to near Main and Monroe Streets just before 4:45 a.m. Sunday on a report of shots fired.
Echevarria said while officers were aiding the victim and securing the scene they were confronted with an aggressive crowd. At the same time, additional gunfire was heard from another portion of downtown.
A second gunshot victim arrived at a local hospital by private vehicle.
Echevarria said while officers were trying to save a life, they were “surrounded, shoved and interfered with by individuals who chose to obstruct their work rather than allow them to help.” Scanner traffic and an earlier news release estimated the number of the crowd as 50.
Earlier statements by police said pepper balls were deployed to subdue the crowd and several nearby agencies were called to the scene for assistance. Those included Illinois State Police and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office along with officers from Bartonville, Chillicothe and Bradley University.
Several arrests were made, including for aggravated battery to police.
An earlier news release indicated the original victim’s condition was considered critical, while the second victim was stable.
Echevarria said the incident remains under investigation while he is aware of videos of the incident that are circulating on social media.
“Let me be clear,” Echevarria said, “under no circumstances will I allow anyone to surround my officers aggressively, put their hands on them, or interfere as they are working to protect this community and save lives.”
“Such behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with swift response and accountability.”
Echevarria said detectives are reviewing evidence, video footage, and community tips as they work to identify those responsible for the shootings.
“Our focus remains on pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring that Peoria remains a safe city for all,” Echevarria said.
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PEORIA, Ill. – Two gunshot victims and multiple arrests resulted from an incident in downtown Peoria.
Peoria Police spokesperson Simone Roth said officers were dispatched to Main and Monroe Streets at 4:43 a.m. Sunday on a report of a person shot.
Arriving officers located an adult man with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a hospital and was last reported in critical condition.
Police later learned that a second shooting victim, an adult man, had arrived at a hospital by private vehicle. That victim had been shot multiple times, and his condition was last reported as stable.
While officers continued their investigation, they were surrounded by 50 people who were interfering with police and medical personnel.
Pepper balls were deployed to disperse the crowd with officers from other area agencies called for assistance. They included the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police , as well as officers from East Peoria, Bartonville, Chillicothe and Bradley University.
Officers made multiple arrests, although there is no information concerning the number of arrests or specific suspect information.
The investigation continues. More details may be released Monday.
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