4/26/24 Chief Eric Echevarria Provides Update to Community Regarding Anti-Violence Initiative 2024

(Peoria, IL) - On Thursday, April 25, 2024, local law enforcement officers conducted another Directed Patrol Detail. This detail included members of the Peoria Police Department's Special Investigations Division (SID), Patrol Operations, Criminal

In keeping with departmental transparency, the following summarizes the results of yesterday's efforts:

Over 60 vehicle stops were conducted, resulting in several citations and numerous warnings. 4 arrests were made, and 2 weapons were seized. 17 tickets were issued, 1 vehicle was impounded, and one moving violation was issued. Below is a brief synopsis of major incidents during the detail.

• 2000 Blk of W. Wiswall: At approximately 3:28 p.m. members of the Peoria Police Department's Special Investigations Division (SID) observed a wanted male subject in the 2000 block of W. Wiswall. Police approached the subject identified as 43-year-old Aubrae M. Harper and immediately detained him.

Harper was transported to the Peoria Police Department for interviewing purposes and subsequently arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and an active Peoria County Warrant. Harper was transported to the Peoria County Jail. Incident #24-6670

• 600 Blk of S. Western Avenue: At approximately 4:20 p.m. members of the Peoria Police Department's Special Investigations Division (SID) located a wanted subject in the 600 block of S. Western Avenue. Officers approached the subject identified as 24-year-old Tywan M. Jackson and took him into custody without incident. Jackson was subsequently arrested for Home Invasion and transported to the Peoria County Jail. Incident #24-5714

• 2300 Blk of W. Starr Street: At approximately 7:56 p.m. members of the Peoria Police Department's Special Investigations Division (SID) were conducting patrol in the 2300 block of W. Starr when they observed a group of older juveniles immediately run in different directions when they observed police approaching. Officers did not locate any of the subjects but during a check of their flight paths, officers recovered a loaded handgun that was discarded. Incident #24-8205

• 5200 Blk of W. War Memorial at approximately 2:17 p.m. members of the Peoria Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to a retail store at the above location regarding five subjects inside the business stealing clothing. The suspects left the store prior to police arriving. Officers learned the make/model and license plate number of the vehicle and immediately utilized a License Plate Reader (LPR). The vehicle was located a short time later in the 2700 block of W. Westport. Officers observed five female juveniles exit the vehicle, who were all detained. Detectives approached the vehicle and located numerous stolen items in the backseat of the vehicle.

The merchandise was stolen from several local retail stores. All five juveniles were transported to the Peoria Police Department for interviewing purposes. A 15-year-old female was arrested for Business Burglary (4 counts). A 17-year-old female was arrested for Business Burglary (11 counts) and an Active Warrant. A 16-year-old female was arrested for Business Burglary (1 count). A 17-year-old female was arrested for Business Burglary (4 counts). A 17-year-old female was arrested for Business Burglary (7 counts) and an Active Warrant. All five juveniles were transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.

Incidents #24-8173, #24-8175 & #24-8182

• Additional Information: There was one Shot Spotter alert during the detail.

(SID) In addition to this detail, SID officers conducted covert operations associated with ongoing investigations involving known violent offenders.

(CID) - Detectives conducted follow-ups involving active violent cases.

Message from Chief Echevarria:

"Last night's arrests are an example of how broad our investigations go. Yes, we arrest those committing gun and drug crimes, but we also arrest those committing shoplifting crimes as well. We want our local retailers to know that Peoria Police will do everything within the law to stop these types of crimes from occurring."