Six Charged After Crowd Interferes with Police at Downtown Peoria Shooting

PEORIA — Six people have been charged with aggravated battery for allegedly interfering with police at a Downtown Peoria shooting scene over the weekend. One suspect is also accused of trying to disarm an officer.

Police responded early Saturday to a shooting at Main and Monroe, where one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers reported being surrounded by a hostile crowd of at least 50 people while providing aid.

The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges against four Peoria residents: 32-year-old Wesley Collins Jr., 29-year-old Larenshia Harris Moore, 28-year-old Ariann Jackson, and 25-year-old Jazzie Alston. Two West Peoria residents are also charged: 38-year-old Trennell Carter Jr. and 32-year-old Barry Anderson Jr.

Collins faces an additional charge for attempting to disarm a peace officer, while Anderson is charged with criminal damage to property.

“Despite repeated commands for the crowd to back away, those orders were ignored. Officers were forced to physically push people back to assist the victim. Members of the crowd continued to obstruct officers,” the state’s attorney said.

All six suspects are scheduled for detention hearings in Peoria County Court on Tuesday. Authorities are continuing the investigation and ask anyone with information to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.

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