PEORIA, Ill. — The late hours of Sunday night and early hours of Monday brought a slew of violent acts to the area.
Many rumors have been circulating social media about extreme measures the city and county may take in response, such as curfews and bridge closures.
Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell on Monday night addressed those rumors.
“We’re seeing those rumors, like there are going to be coordinated attacks on residential areas,” he said.
“Please go to verified sources for any information or news. We do understand this is a fluid and often organic situation we’re dealing with.
“The circumstances will dictate the response that’s applied, but as of right now, there is not a curfew… no bridges are being closed and all transportation routes are open.”
Despite the lack of curfew, Asbell encouraged residents to remain at home if they don’t need to be out on the roadways.
So, what’s law enforcement’s plan going forward?
Asbell said the first round of violent proceedings has helped authorities to map out the strategy.
“I’ll be safe in saying there’s going to be a more tactical response,” he said.
“There’s a lot more communication among the local law enforcement agencies.
“There’s been quite a few meetings today.”
Still, he admitted these events are uncharted territory.
“I wish I had more [information]. It’s really a bunch of the unknown,” he said.
“But we are asking everyone to remain calm and understand we don’t need bad characters to make a bad situation worse, and we are a community and need to stick together at a time like this.”
Asbell mentioned some businesses have taken precautions on their own accord. Below are a couple examples:
Presley’s Outdoors in Bartonville has set up a snowplow in front of its doors as a barricade against possible looters.
Target on Big Hollow has completely boarded its glass in preparation for potential rioters.
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