BREAKING: Stay-at-home issued in Kankakee wake of protests, stores closed

This story is developing

Last update: 5:32pm

Business from gas stations to restaurants to grocery stores and retailers have shut their doors in Bourbonnais, Bradley, Manteno and Kankakee due to recent protests in the area.

A group of protesters started out of the Jewel-Osco parking lot earlier this morning in Bourbonnais, walking throughout Kankakee and Bradley before returning to Bourbonnais.

Today, history was made in KANKAKEE COUNTY‼️ WE MARCHED IN HONOR OF #GEORGEFLOYD BUT ALSO TO REMMEBER ANYONE WHO HAS LOST THEIR LIFE TO POLICE BRUTALITY! THIS PROTEST WAS PEACEFUL, and WE HAD UNITY AND TOGETHERNESS! IM PROUD TO SAY IM FROM KANKAKEE ✊🏽❤️💚🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/yWlOpWT40O

— Jefè Eduardo Pabló Díaz🤑 (@boss_byanymeans) May 31, 2020

The majority of protesting throughout the county has been peaceful since it began in Bourbonnais earlier today.  Multiple groups of protesters have been reported throughout the day while a main effort has been aided by police as streets were blocked off in advance for marching efforts. 

About 50 cars joined protesters as they marched through the County, according to officers reporting as the scene unfolded on scanners.

Looting had been reported by the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department around Northfield Square Mall in Bradley late this afternoon.  The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department has since issued a precautionary temporary stay-at-home order due to civil unrest.

Prior to reports of looting, officers notified area businesses of protests coming through.  It was up to the business if they chose to close or not.  Precautionary closures included Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, Farm & Fleet, Aldi, McDonalds, BP and more.

Looting rumors were fueled with prior report from the Sheriff’s office social media account.

“We adjusted hours or closed more than 200 stores over the weekend,” a Target spokesperson confirmed Sunday.

“Unfortunately we don’t know anything for sure right now,” an Officer said on County scanners this afternoon as police monitored protesters movements.

An ambulance was called for by police at 400 N Prairie in the East Alley after a protester reportedly passed out during the protest

While a march that’s been continuing throughout the day has remained peaceful, others not associated with the group have been taking the opportunity to loot where possible.

Businesses weighed in on the closing this afternoon on Facebook. Sunday was just the third day of Phase 3 of ‘Restore Illinois’.