Peoria Standard

November 12, 2024, Peoria, IL – A man has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon following an incident involving a fully automatic firearm. Jacobi M. Turner-Claudin, 31, was apprehended after attempting to evade police on Saturday and discarding the weapon during his flight. A detention hearing took place today where the State’s Petition to Detain was granted, ensuring that Turner-Claudin will remain in custody until his trial.

The incident began around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday when Peoria Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 2200 block of W. Kettelle in the south end of Peoria. As officers approached the vehicle, it fled at high speed and collided with a squad car. The driver, identified as Martell Perkins, eventually crashed into a fence. Both Perkins and his passenger, Turner-Claudin, attempted to flee on foot but were captured after a brief chase.

During their pursuit of the suspects' path, officers discovered a gun near the passenger side of the vehicle and along Turner-Claudin’s escape route. The firearm was equipped with a device known as a “switch,” which converts it into a fully automatic weapon.

Perkins is currently on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections and remains in their custody while charges against him are under review.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.