PEORIA, Ill. – Eight more people were taken into custody because of another special enforcement detail conducted by Peoria Police that’s a part of the police chief’s anti-violence initiative.
Chief Eric Echevarria says more than 30 local and state officers took part in Wednesday’s effort.
Among the more major incidents, police say Jose DeJesus, 31, was arrested on a charge of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking, following some police surveillance. The alleged carjacking happened February 8th on North Underhill. An adult male sitting inside his car claims another male came up to him and ordered him out. The carjacker then fled.
Police say just after 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, a vehicle they knew was stolen was seen driving southbound on Knoxville Avenue. It was found later on East Frye, along with a 15-year-old male suspect who fled on foot. He was caught later and now faces a number of traffic offenses, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
Police say officers pulled a car over around 6:30 Wednesday night on West Montana, and found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside. Travis Kern, 39, was taken to jail on a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine.
A stolen gun was recovered, but the suspect was not found, following a traffic stop conducted during the detail. It happened around 11:20 Wednesday night near Starr and Madison Park. Police tried to pull a car over, with the driver fleeing on foot. The passenger then slid into the driver’s seat and sped off. A stolen gun was found that the suspect who fled on foot tossed. The investigation, meanwhile, continues.
Police say 45 traffic stops were conducted, one handgun and drugs were seized, 21 tickets were issued, two stolen vehicles were recovered, and four abandoned vehicles were towed away during the detail.
“In addition to our Directed Patrol last night, our officers walked through neighborhoods where several vehicle thefts have occurred. Many of the vehicle thefts are due to cars left running unattended. Please make sure your vehicles are locked and parked in well-lit areas. Let’s do our part to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle theft.” — Chief Eric Echevarria
