Police chief’s plea for peaceful Memorial Day weekend

PEORIA (25News Now) - For the second time this month, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria is warning of consequences for people taking part in rolling vehicle caravans and pop-up parties.

Echevarria said his department has been seeing more of these incidents as the weather has turned warmer, and he’s concerned about what might happen during the long Memoria Day weekend.

Wednesday, Echevarria issued a plea for peace in a post on the department’s Facebook page.

“This type of illegal action will not be tolerated in our city. The Peoria Police Department will continue issuing citations for vehicles involved in these activities. Specific to Memorial Day weekend, we will actively enforce all local ordinances and state laws when these caravans take place,” Echevarria said.

He said cars involved in the caravans will be towed, and that could cost the cars’ owners at least $500.

“Our officers will use all investigative tools to take enforcement action, including video systems and license plate reader cameras,” said the chief.

“Please know where your vehicle is and who is behind the wheel,” Echevarria said.

“Please Peoria, do your part to keep our streets safe from traffic violators or be ready to pay some pretty hefty fines,” he said.

Echevarria held a rare weekend news conference on Saturday, May 6, a day after a particular busy Friday night when four people were arrested and rolling caravans left skid marks on Water and Main Streets downtown.