(PEORIA, IL) On Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 11:47 p.m., Peoria Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Glen Oak Avenue and Atlantic Street.
During the stop, officers made contact with three male occupants inside the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, officers developed probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle.
While conducting the search, officers located a loaded handgun inside the vehicle. The firearm was later confirmed to have been reported stolen.
As a result of the investigation, a 16-year-old male was arrested for 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 of the vehicle were released at the scene without charges.
The juvenile was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.
Anyone with information regarding any violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymous), or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
**All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **