In a significant law enforcement operation, two teenagers from Peoria were arrested on Wednesday, linked to a violent incident that occurred on June 8. The event involved a domestic dispute, where one individual, supported by accomplices, was reportedly armed with multiple firearms.
Arrest Operation and Surveillance
The Peoria Police Department, in collaboration with the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, conducted surveillance on a residence located in the 2600 block of West Laura Avenue in West Peoria. This operation was bolstered by a search warrant and the activation of the Central Illinois Emergency Response Team. The objective was to ensure the safe apprehension of the suspects involved in the earlier incident.
At the targeted residence, officers successfully called out 18-year-old Korion Hopkins and a 16-year-old male. The suspects complied without resistance and were promptly taken into custody. The police proceeded to interview them concerning the June 8 incident at the Greenwood Estates apartment complex.
Details of the June 8 Incident
The initial incident occurred at 12:45 a.m. in the Greenwood Estates apartment complex. Police responded to a domestic dispute involving a man and a woman. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered live ammunition and learned that the man, along with his accomplices, had been armed with multiple firearms before fleeing.
The investigation led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Hopkins and his 16-year-old accomplice. The charges against Hopkins include aggravated assault, mob action, unlawful restraint, and an outstanding warrant from the Illinois Department of Corrections. The 16-year-old faces charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated assault with a firearm, mob action, interference with reporting domestic violence, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a machine gun, and criminal trespass of a motor vehicle, with the last three charges stemming from Peoria County warrants.
Seizure of Firearms
During the search of the West Peoria residence, police recovered a significant cache of firearms. The seizure included six firearms: three Glocks (two of which were identified as stolen, and one equipped with a switch), a Polymer 80 ghost gun, and an AK47 rifle. This recovery highlights the serious nature of the firearms involved in the incident.
Also Read:
- Teen Taken into Custody After 8-Year-Old Suffers Gunshot Wound
- Crime Stoppers Alert: Man Wanted in Rock Island and Scott Counties on Various Charges
Conclusion
This incident and the subsequent arrests highlight the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with domestic disputes and gun-related crimes. The Peoria community can take some reassurance from the swift and coordinated response by the police, aiming to mitigate such threats and enhance public safety. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on addressing the root causes of such violence and preventing future occurrences.
