PEORIA, Ill. — Police arrest six individuals in connection with an incident that occurred after 1:00 p.m. Thursday on Peoria’s East Bluff, that involved a stolen vehicle with an infant inside.
According to Public Information Officer Amy Dotson, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on multiple charges after he was brought in for questioning following the incident.
The juvenile is believed to be the one who fled from officers in a stolen Dodge Charger from the 2300 block of N. Knoxville, with an infant still inside the vehicle.
The vehicle was later located abandoned in the 1000 block of NE Madison. The infant was not inside.
According to Dotson, police then received a call around 3:00 p.m. about an infant left alone in an alley way in the 2600 block of Prospect. “Officers arrived in the area and located the missing infant in this incident, who did appear to be in good condition,” Dotson said. The mother and infant were reunited at the scene.
Police say six people in connection to the incident were then observed in a stolen Nissan Rogue in the area of McClure and Linn. They were taken into custody for questioning and later arrested.
The 16-year-old boy was charged with motor vehicle theft, endangering the life or health of a child, aggravated kidnapping, reckless conduct, and obstructing justice. He was transported to the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center.
The police report indicated the following suspects were arrested and charged as followed;
A 15-year-old female was arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and criminal trespass to a motor vehicle.
A 16-year-old male was arrested for criminal trespass to a motor vehicle. He was released to his parent(s).
A 16-year-old female was arrested for criminal trespass to a motor vehicle. She was released to her parent(s).
18-year-old Damarious J. Matthews was arrested for criminal trespass to a motor vehicle.
20-year-old Tajanae S. Johnson was arrested for criminal trespass to a motor vehicle.
Both Johnson and Matthews were given notices to appear in court.
Police is asking anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (309) 673-9000.
