‘Dangerous Disregard for Human Life’ Illinois Police Chief Rants After Thieves Rampage in Stolen Jeep
Being a member of the police force is very stressful. One police chief in Illinois needs a vacation and probably deserves one. After thieves took a rampage in a stolen Jeep that targeted innocent civilians, he let the public know how he really feels.
Illinois police chief rants after stolen jeep chase turns dangerous
Police officers immediately pursued a stolen 2013 Jeep model in West Peoria around 6 AM. After 10 minutes during the high-speed chase, the vehicle approached Peoria high school.
They exited the vehicle with masks on and beat a student. Then they targeted others with the vehicle. Students were nearly run over. They fled and were spotted near Richwood High School, targeting students again before heading to Manual High School.
As police cars followed the Jeep, the suspects threw weights and other objects at the windshields. They targeted other drivers as well. Stop strips were deployed to disable the vehicle, and all six occupants were arrested.
Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria shares that he’s “frustrated and frankly exhausted by the cycle of violent offenders who continue to victimize our community with little meaningful intervention or accountability.”
According to Central Illinois Proud, Echevarria explains, “a violent series of reckless events and their actions demonstrated a blatant and dangerous disregard for human life.”
He authorized a pursuit because the suspects were an immediate and ongoing threat to students, motorists, and the broader community.
The suspects include two adults and four juveniles with lengthy criminal histories. He calls for a reform to the juvenile system for accountability, victim protection, and real intervention, not revolving doors.
Echevarria says, “We cannot continue to normalize or excuse this behavior.” There is an ongoing investigation into the incident. The names of the suspects haven’t been released.
