(Peoria, IL) – Tuesday, January 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 Traffic Unit.
There was a total of 34 law enforcement officers participating
in this detail.
In keeping with departmental transparency, the following summarizes the results of yesterday’s efforts:
Approximately 52 vehicle stops were conducted, resulting in several citations and numerous warnings. Nine arrests were made, a large amount of illegal drugs and currency were seized. Thirteen tickets were issued, and 6 vehicles were impounded.
Below is a brief synopsis of major incidents during the detail.
• Howett/Madison Park: At approximately 3:31 p.m. Detail officers conducted a traffic stop at the above location. During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized illegal drugs and a large amount of currency. Officers detained and subsequently arrested 30-year-old DeMichael T. Herring for Unlawful Possession of a controlled substance with Intent to Deliver and Traffic Violations. Herring was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
PPD Incident #23-1449
• MLK/Sterling: at approximately 8:38 p.m. Detail officers conducted a traffic stop at the above intersection. When officers approached the vehicle, they observed two occupants inside. Both subjects were asked to exit the vehicle. During a body search of both subject’s officers located illegal drugs on the person of the passenger, identified as 29-year-old Jakob N. Congdon. Congdon was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Controlled Substance. He was transported to the Peoria County Jail. The female driver was issued a citation for expired registration and no insurance. PPD Incident # 23-1476
• 1900 block of W. Martin: At approximately 5:55 p.m. Detail officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the above location. As officers attempted to approach the vehicle the driver, identified as 40-year-old John W. Benson drove away at a high rate of speed. A short time later officers located the vehicle unoccupied on Madison Park. During a search of the area officers located Benson on Millman and Western. Benson was subsequently arrested for Fleeing/Eluding Police, Driving on a Suspended License and Traffic
Violations. Benson was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
PPD Incident #23-1460.
• Additional Information: There was a single 1 round Shot Spotter during this detail. (600 Alexander) There were no reports of stolen vehicles during the detail.
(SID) - In addition to directed enforcement, SID officers conducted covert operations associated with ongoing investigations involving known violent offenders.
(CID)- Detectives conducted a robbery detail in the downtown area during the Directed Patrol.
Message from Chief Echevarria:
“These Directed Patrols would not be as successful without the collaborative effort of our Special Investigations Division (SID), Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Patrol Operations, Traffic Unit, Neighborhood Services Unit (NSU), Crime Scene Unit (CSU) and other police agencies. We all work together with one goal in mind, to keep everyone in our community and surrounding communities safe and protected.”
**All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **