(PEORIA, IL) On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at approximately 1:24 a.m., Peoria Police responded to the 1200 block of W. Armstrong Avenue regarding a strong-arm robbery involving a taxi driver.
The 55-year-old driver reported being dispatched to the 300 block of S. Saratoga for a pickup, where two males entered the vehicle. Shortly after, one of the suspects placed an unknown object on the driver’s neck and demanded he exit the vehicle. The driver complied, and the suspects fled in the taxi. The driver was not injured.
During the investigation, the stolen vehicle was observed on Sheridan Road. Officers attempted a traffic stop but were initially unsuccessful. Minutes later, a 15-year-old male jumped from the moving vehicle and was apprehended on foot. A firearm was recovered along the suspect’s flight path.
The juvenile was arrested for Vehicular Hijacking, Armed Violence, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting Police, No FOID, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition without a FOID Card and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.
A second 15-year-old involved was detained, interviewed, and released to his guardian pending further investigation.
If you have any information about violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through tip411 or by calling Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
**All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **