Peoria Standard

Today, a jury in Peoria County reached a verdict in the case of Patrick W. Meyer, 26, finding him guilty of aggravated vehicular hijacking and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The charges stem from an incident on December 14, 2022, when Meyer stole a man's car at gunpoint and shot him multiple times in front of his daughter.

The trial lasted three days, during which evidence was presented showing that the victim had stopped for gas at a Shell station on N. Knoxville in Peoria around 9:30 p.m. While waiting inside his vehicle, he was approached by Meyer, who was masked and armed. Meyer forced the victim out of the car before shooting him six times and fleeing with the vehicle. Despite being seriously injured, the victim survived but required several surgeries and still has a bullet lodged in his hip.

Detectives identified Meyer as a suspect through surveillance footage and witness statements. One witness directed police to the firearm used in the crime, which was hidden behind a shed at a friend's property. Forensic analysis confirmed that shell casings from the scene matched this weapon. During questioning by police, Meyer admitted to owning the gun and abandoning the stolen vehicle after it broke down but claimed he could not recall the events due to drug influence.

The jury took only 35 minutes to convict Meyer. Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, where he faces up to life imprisonment.