Peoria, IL – A reported stolen firearm led to a brief police chase and arrest Tuesday morning near a popular Peoria sports venue, according to the Peoria Police Department.
According to police, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Braves Drive at approximately 10:54 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after receiving a report of a male suspect possibly armed with a handgun. The location is near Dozer Park, home of the Peoria Chiefs baseball team.
Police said officers observed an adult male fleeing the area on foot. During a short pursuit, the suspect was allegedly seen discarding a handgun beneath a tree before being taken into custody without further incident.
The firearm was recovered at the scene and later determined to be loaded and reported stolen, authorities said.
The suspect was identified as 21-year-old Leonard E. Heady. According to police, Heady was arrested and transported to the Peoria County Jail, where he was booked on multiple charges, including Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer, and Possession of a Firearm Without a Valid FOID Card.
No injuries were reported, and police said there is no ongoing threat to the public related to the incident.
Peoria Police are asking anyone with information related to violent crime to contact the department at (309) 673-4521. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000 or online at tip411.
All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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