A Peoria County judge has ordered Davier L. Dillard, 18, and Quinzel Foy, 18, to remain in custody until their trial after they were accused of stealing a Jeep and leading police on a high-speed chase during morning rush hour. Four juveniles, aged 13, 15, 15, and 16, are also being held in custody following similar court orders issued the previous day.
All six individuals face various felony charges that include Robbery, Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Mob Action, and Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding. Dillard is additionally charged with Attempt First-Degree Murder.
Authorities allege that on February 17 the group stole a Jeep before attacking a 15-year-old in the East Bluff neighborhood. The victim was punched, kicked, and stomped while the incident was recorded on a cell phone. The suspects allegedly took his iPhone and jacket during the assault.
The stolen vehicle was then driven to Peoria Central High School and Richwoods High School. At Central High School—where student-to-teacher ratios average about 15-to-1 across county schools according to state data (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx)—the suspects reportedly drove onto the grass toward a 14-year-old who had just exited a bus in an apparent attempt to hit him; the student avoided injury. At Richwoods High School—which has the highest enrollment of multiracial students among Peoria County schools with 182 reported for the last academic year (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx)—the suspects allegedly drove recklessly around campus grounds as students arrived for classes.
Police pursued the suspects for approximately ten minutes. During this time, speeds exceeded 70 miles per hour on seven occasions and topped out above 90 miles per hour at one point. The chase involved driving down five wrong-way streets and onto sidewalks before officers disabled the vehicle.
“This investigation is ongoing. Additional charges may be filed. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521,” officials stated.
Peoria County schools reported an average teacher absenteeism rate of just over 32% last school year—slightly below Illinois’ statewide average—and enroll nearly 27,100 students across all grades (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx).
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