The streets of Peoria’s East Bluff were rocked by yet another shooting incident late Tuesday night, leaving a man hospitalized after his vehicle was struck by gunfire. While the victim escaped being shot, he suffered a minor facial injury caused by shattered glass from the vehicle’s windows.
The shooting occurred in the 400 block of East Republic Street, just hours after another tragic incident claimed the life of 18-year-old Mikequese Taylor near the intersection of North Knoxville and Forrest Hill avenues. In response to a ShotSpotter alert indicating the firing of 10 rounds, officers swiftly arrived at the scene on Republic Street. Despite not initially locating a victim, it was later revealed that a man had been transported to a local hospital by a private vehicle.
The exact condition of the victim remains undisclosed at this time. Upon investigation, law enforcement recovered several shell casings in the vicinity of the incident, specifically in the 500 block of Frye, located just south of the ShotSpotter alert area. Preliminary findings suggest that the victim was traveling in a vehicle targeted during the shooting.
This incident is currently under active investigation, with authorities yet to make any arrests. The streets of Peoria have been marred by violence in recent times, with the sound of gunfire becoming all too familiar. Just hours prior to this incident, an officer reported hearing multiple gunshots followed by a ShotSpotter alert indicating the firing of three rounds near the Forrest Hill and Knoxville intersection.
Tragically, 18-year-old Mikequese Taylor was discovered in an alley behind the Marathon gas station near this intersection. Despite efforts to save him, Taylor was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center.
As Peoria grapples with the aftermath of these senseless acts of violence, the community remains on edge, mourning the loss of life and demanding justice for those affected. Law enforcement agencies continue their relentless efforts to address the root causes of such incidents and bring those responsible to account. Yet, amid the darkness, there remains hope for peace and safety to return to the streets of Peoria, as residents stand united against the scourge of gun violence plaguing their neighborhoods.
