(Peoria, IL) – Wednesday, May 24, 2023, local law enforcement officers conducted another Directed Patrol Detail. This detail included members of the Peoria Police Department’s Special Investigations Division (SID), Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Neighborhood Services Unit (NSU) and Crime Scene Unit (CSU). There was a total of 21 law enforcement officers
participating in this detail.
In keeping with departmental transparency, the following summarizes the results of yesterday’s efforts:
Approximately 41 vehicle stops were conducted, resulting in several citations and numerous warnings. Seven arrests were made, 3 weapons were seized along with illegal drugs. Fifteen tickets were issued, and one vehicle was impounded. Below is a brief synopsis of major incidents during the detail.
• 1800 blk. W. Howett: At approximately 5:27 p.m. members of the Peoria Police Department’s Special Investigations Division (SID) located a subject wanted in another jurisdiction in the 1800 block of W. Howett. As officers approached the male subject identified as 25-year-old Evan L. Common he attempted to flee behind a residence at the above location. After a brief foot chase police apprehended Common. During a search along the flight path of the subject officers located a loaded handgun. Common was subsequently arrested for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of a Firearm Without a Valid FOID Card, Obstructing an Officer, Aggravated Fleeing Police, Reckless Driving, Failure to Reduce Speed, Speeding, Leaving the Scene, Failure to Stop and Disregard to Stop Sign. Common was transported to the Peoria County Jail. PPD Incident # 23-9260.
• 2500 block Broadway: At approximately 6:15 p.m. Peoria Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired registration in the 2500 block of Broadway. When officers approached the vehicle, they observed two male occupants inside. During a search of the vehicle officers located illegal drugs and a loaded handgun. The passenger, 31-year-old Martez L. Anderson was arrested for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, No FOID and Possession
of Cannabis. Anderson was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
PPD Incident # 23-9264.
• 700 block of W. Kansas: At approximately 10:05 p.m. Peoria Police responded to the 700 block of E. Nebraska on a Shot Spotter alert of one round fired.
While conducting a search of the area officers observed a male subject and attempted to speak with him. The male immediately fled from officers on foot.
After a foot chase officers apprehended the subject identified as 38-year-old John C. Allen. Officers located a handgun on his person. Allen was subsequently arrested for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Resisting an Officer and No FOID Card. Allen was transported to the Peoria County Jail. PPD Incident # 23-9282.
(SID) – SID officers also conducted covert operations to locate known violent offenders driving violence.
(CID) - Detectives also conducted follow ups involving active violent cases.
Message from Chief Echevarria:
“Yesterday’s Directed Patrol resulted in the seizure of 3 handguns. That’s three less guns on our streets. Our officers will continue to conduct these frequent patrols in order to place those possessing illegal guns and committing crimes under arrest. This is what commitment is all about, and our officers are 100% committed to making a positive difference in this community.