PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria has released more details concerning a shots fired incident outside Manual High School Friday.
A 15-year-old boy is in the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center charged with weapons charges, including aggravated discharge of a firearm, as well as criminal damage to property.
Officers responded to a call of four shots fired in the area of Wiswall and Griswold around 2:23 p.m.
Echevarria said the teen had been suspended from Manual High School earlier in the day and later returned to school grounds with a firearm and fired multiple rounds, striking the building itself.
Echevarria said based on what is known currently from the investigation, there is no indication the boy was aiming at people, only the school building.
Peoria Public Schools officials said all students and staff were kept safe inside the building during the incident, and that dismissal proceeded as normal, but was delaye
“I know (Friday’s) incident was frightening for our students, parents, and the entire community,” Echevarria said in a statement issued through a news release and social media.
The juvenile, who matched the description of a suspect, was seen running from the scene. The boy was apprehended after a brief foot chase and a weapon and other evidence were recovered along the boy’s path.
“I want to stress there was no way to predict this act,” Echevarria said. “What made the difference was the quick response of our officers, who were already in the area. Because of their vigilance, the suspect was arrested within minutes and no students, staff or officers were harmed.”
Echevarria said his department is “fully committed” to protecting students and the community.
“I want everyone to know, your safety is our highest priority. We will continue to keep a strong police presence not only at Manual but throughout Peoria Public Schools,” Echevarria said. “We will continue working side by side with school administrators, teachers, and families to maintain safety, open communication and trust.”
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