Updated 12:35 p.m.
PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria Police say six people – two adults and four juveniles – were arrested Tuesday morning following a “violent and reckless series of events” that began shortly after 6:00 a.m. in a stolen vehicle.
In a statement, Police Chief Eric Echevarria said the group “terrorized parts of our city,” which included a violent attack on a student near Peoria High School who required treatment at a hospital.
Echevarria said the group “targeted and attempted to run individuals over” at both Peoria High School and Richwoods High School. The suspects also chased police vehicles and threw weights and other objects at squad cars and motorists.
Chief Echevarria authorized a vehicle pursuit due to the “immediate and ongoing threat” to the community. The pursuit ended after the vehicle was successfully disabled using spike strips near Bradley University at University and Main, where it crashed.
All six occupants of the vehicle were detained and taken to a hospital for evaluation, and are currently being held at the Peoria Police Department.
Echevarria expressed frustration over the incident, noting that several of those involved have prior criminal histories. He said the incident “once again exposes serious weaknesses in our juvenile justice system,” arguing that reform must focus on accountability and victim protection.
Echevarria also stressed the responsibility of parents, calling the juveniles’ actions a “parenting failure”, urging guardians to know about their children’s whereabouts and activities.
The Peoria Police Department says the incident remains an active and ongoing investigation.
By Jason Howell
PEORIA (25 News) – A vehicle fleeing from Peoria law enforcement ended near Bradley University.
Bradley University Police told 25 News the incident began around 8 a.m. and ended after the vehicle crashed at Main and University near campus, according to a campus alert.
Police said all suspects were taken into custody and there were no injuries to the public.
There is no danger to the campus community.
Bradley University Police assisted Peoria Police.
This story will be updated.
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