PEORIA, Ill. – Safety concerns were on the mind of the Peoria City Council on Tuesday evening, in the wake of an incident where a 9-year-old boy was struck by a bullet inside his South Side residence at an apartment complex.
The shooting occurred the evening of February 2nd at the River West Apartments. A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection to the shooting. The teenager is accused of attempting to break into a vehicle at the apartments with two others, when he allegedly fired a weapon at a person who confronted them.
District One Councilwoman Denise Jackson at the end of Tuesday’s meeting stated there have been security concerns at the River West Apartments.
“I mentioned some longstanding issues with regards to lighting,” Jackson said. “I have been hearing from residents for a couple of years in and around River West.”
25 News reports Jackson has spoken to City Manager Patrick Urich about the concerns. Jackson is also seeking a requirement by property management companies to have security, especially in areas more susceptible to crime.
District Two Councilman and mayoral candidate Chuck Grayeb does not believe better lighting will solve the issue.
“If you hear something going on outside, and you see people who are potentially car burglars, do not confront them on your own,” Grayeb said. “Call the police.”
The Peoria Housing Authority, which operates River West, says an outside security patrol has been hired for all of its properties since last September.
The PHA also notes that more than 65% of violent crimes reported in the area were committed by non-residents, including the 15-year-old accused in the shooting that injured the 9-year-old.
PHA is looking to include an upgrade of security cameras that would connect to the larger police system at its properties. The organization says Urich has also reached out to them about a meeting.
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