UPDATED 12:07 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. — A man is facing multiple charges after an early morning incident in Peoria.
According to Peoria Police, it began just after 2 a.m. Thursday when officers were called to Big Al’s downtown regarding trouble with a man, threatening to return to the business with a gun.
PPD tried to stop his vehicle, but he sped off.
Around 3:20 a.m, officers observed the vehicle in the area of Nebraska and University, which once again sped away, last seen in the area of the I-74 War Memorial ramp.
A short time later, police observed what they thought was the same vehicle enter the parking lot of the Baymont Hotel near War Memorial Drive. Officers then saw the driver, later identified as 38-year-old Willie Dawson, get out and then back into the vehicle after seeing police.
Another chase ensued, with Dawson fleeing towards the Northwoods Mall parking lot. However, PPD says he was having difficulty controlling the vehicle, driving over a curb and getting onto War Memorial through a ditch.
Dawson crossed a median, then turned west, before stopping on N. Arrow.
PPD says Dawson then got out of the vehicle, and ran off, before being taken into custody. A glock handgun was found in his vehicle, along with several spent shell casings.
Dawson is charged with Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, Unlawful Use of Weapons, No FOID, Aggravated Fleeing/Eluding, Reckless Driving, Driving with a Revoked License, Resisting/Obstructing, Hit & Run, and Operating a Vehicle with No Insurance.
In addition, Dawson had multiple warrants out for his arrest in McLean County, including Failure to Appear – Driving Suspended and Manufacture with Intent.
Dawson is being held at the Peoria County Jail.
If you have any information pertinent to this investigation, contact Peoria Police at (309) 673-4521, use tip411, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (309) 673-9000.
