(PEORIA, IL) Saturday, May 17, 2025, at approximately 2:40 p.m., while assisting with crowds attending graduation ceremonies at the Civic Center, Peoria Police observed a male juvenile exit the line upon seeing the metal detectors and approach a group of males.
Police then observed a second group of males with masks on approaching the first group of males.
To prevent a confrontation between the groups, officers stopped the second group wearing masks. One of the males immediately fled on foot.
After a brief foot chase, police apprehended the male (14 years old) who ran inside a vehicle. While taking the juvenile into custody, officers located a handgun inside the vehicle.
The juvenile was subsequently arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Firearm, No FOID, Possession of a Handgun Under 21, and Resisting Police.
He was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.
If you have any information regarding any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.