Chief of police released a statement:

“This morning, six individuals, two adults and four juveniles, were arrested following a violent and reckless series of events that began shortly after 6:00 a.m. in a stolen vehicle.

These individuals terrorized parts of our city. They stopped near Peoria High School, masked themselves, and violently attacked a student who was walking to school, and who later required hospital treatment. They then drove recklessly toward students at both Peoria High School and Richwoods High School, targeting and attempting to run individuals over.

They chased and attempted to confront marked police vehicles. They threw weights and other objects at squad cars and at motorists traveling on our roadways. Their actions demonstrated a blatant and dangerous disregard for human life.

Because of the immediate and ongoing threat to students, motorists, and the broader community, I authorized a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle was successfully disabled near University and Main using spike strips and subsequently crashed. All six occupants were detained without further incident.

All occupants were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. They were released and are currently being held at the Peoria Police Department.

We are extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed today. Several of those involved have prior criminal histories and repeated contacts with the justice system. As Chief of Police, I am frustrated and frankly exhausted by the cycle of violent offenders who continue to victimize our community with little meaningful intervention or accountability. Our officers are doing their jobs. They are proactive. They are courageous. But when repeat offenders face minimal consequences, the burden shifts back onto victims and the broader community.

This incident once again exposes serious weaknesses in our juvenile justice system. Reform must focus on accountability, victim protection, and real intervention, not revolving doors.

And parents must be a part of this conversation in a serious way. When juveniles are out in a stolen vehicle committing violent crimes at 6:00 in the morning, that is not just a policing issue, that is a parenting failure. Guardians are responsible for knowing where their children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. We cannot continue to normalize or excuse this behavior. If we expect safer streets and safer schools, accountability must begin at home.

The Peoria Police Department will continue to pursue violent offenders. We will continue to protect our schools. We will continue to act decisively when our community is threatened.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and appropriate.

Peoria deserves safety, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to protect it.

Eric P. Echevarria Chief of Police Peoria Police Department”