(This story has been updated to add new information)
PEORIA – Two men were shot, and six people were arrested early Sunday morning in Downtown Peoria.
Peoria Police Department spokesperson Semone Roth said officers were sent to Main and Monroe streets at 4:43 a.m. in response to a person being shot. The 24-year-old victim was found with a gunshot wound and was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.
Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said additional gunfire came from somewhere else in Downtown Peoria and a second victim was taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle. Roth said the second individual, a 29 year old who was shot multiple times, is in stable condition.
While at the scene of the first shooting, Echevarria said officers “were confronted with an aggressive crowd.”
Roth said there were at least 50 people “who were interfering with police and emergency medical personnel.” She said the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Bartonville Police, Bradley Police, Chillicothe Police, East Peoria Police and Illinois State Police were called to help with crowd control.
Pepper ball launchers were used to disperse the crowd, and multiple people were arrested. Echevarria said arrests were made for aggravated battery of police.
On Monday, the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office formally changed six people with aggravated battery.
“Let me be clear: under no circumstances will I allow anyone to surround my officers aggressively, put their hands on them, or interfere as they are working to protect this community and save lives,” Echevarria said in a statement on Facebook.
“Such behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with swift response and accountability.”
The investigation is ongoing. Police had not provided suspect information as of Sunday afternoon.
Roth said additional information is expected to be released Monday.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Two shot, multiple arrested in Downtown Peoria early Sunday morning
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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