Peoria, IL – A 16-year-old male was arrested late Friday night after Peoria Police officers allegedly discovered a stolen handgun during a traffic stop near Glen Oak Avenue and Atlantic Street.
According to the Peoria Police Department, the stop occurred around 11:47 p.m. on January 16, 2026. Officers made contact with three male occupants inside the vehicle and, after developing probable cause, conducted a search. Inside, they found a loaded handgun confirmed to have been reported stolen.
Police said the juvenile was arrested and faces multiple charges, including Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Firearm Under the Age of 21, Possession of a Firearm Without a Valid FOID Card, and Possession of Firearm Ammunition.
The two remaining occupants were released without charges. The arrested teen was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.
Authorities encourage anyone with information on violent crimes to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521 or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent 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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