Peoria, IL – A 16-year-old male was arrested in Peoria on Tuesday evening following a brief foot chase with police, during which officers recovered a loaded handgun, authorities said.
According to the Peoria Police Department, officers responded to a report of armed individuals around 4:30 p.m. in the 2300 block of W. Malone. Upon arrival, they observed four males walking southbound. When officers attempted to make contact, two of the individuals fled on foot.
After a short pursuit, officers apprehended both suspects without further incident. A search of the flight path led to the discovery of a loaded handgun in the 2300 block of W. Starr, police said.
The two suspects, identified as 16- and 17-year-old males, were transported to the Peoria Police Department for questioning. The 17-year-old was later released into the custody of his parents, while the 16-year-old was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Handgun Under 21, No FOID, and Resisting Police. He was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding violent crimes to contact Peoria Police at (309) 673-4521 or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
