PEORIA, IL – A fatal shooting occurred in South Peoria on Monday, January 15, 2024, following what police believe was a robbery setup disguised as a Facebook Marketplace vehicle transaction. The incident took place around 5:04 pm in the 2100 block of West Lincoln Avenue, where Peoria Police responded to a Shot Spotter alert of five rounds fired.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered a male victim with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by both the officers and arriving medical teams, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Peoria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit are leading the ongoing investigation, with the Peoria County Coroner set to release information about the victim and the cause of death.
The investigation revealed that two individuals had traveled to Peoria to meet a seller from Facebook Marketplace regarding a vehicle. They were directed to a nearby alley to view the vehicle, but it turned out to be an attempted robbery setup. In the alley, several armed suspects tried to rob the buyers. A struggle ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the robbery suspects and one of the intended victims.
One of the robbery suspects was hit by gunfire and died at the scene. Notably, the robbery victim who fired the weapon was a legal gun owner with a license to carry from another state and was released without charges.
In light of this tragic event, the Peoria Police Department urges the public to exercise caution during transactions arranged through platforms like Marketplace. They recommend selecting meetup locations that are highly visible and preferably under video surveillance, such as police department parking lots and lobbies.
The case remains under investigation by the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office. Peoria Police are appealing to the public for any information regarding violent crimes to contact them directly or anonymously through tip411 or Crime Stoppers.
Private Sales & Concealed Carry
It’s crucial for concealed carriers and private sellers to be acutely aware of the risks associated with private transactions, such as those arranged through online marketplaces. Conducting private sales, particularly when firearms are involved, demands a heightened level of vigilance. As outlined in the USA Carry article on private sales and concealed carry, individuals should take proactive steps to ensure their safety. This includes choosing public, well-lit locations for transactions, being aware of local laws, especially when crossing state lines, and considering the involvement of an FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder for firearm sales. Moreover, you must remember that our primary goal is always personal safety. So make sure that private sale is worth the risks involved.
Protecting Yourself In Private Sales: Concealed Carry And Face-to-Face Sales Tips
