Peoria Standard

Two weeks ago, the Peoria County Grand Jury indicted Zavon M. Knox, 22, on charges of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon for possessing a fully automatic weapon earlier this year. Following the indictment, a warrant was issued for Knox's arrest, and he was apprehended over the weekend. Today, a detention hearing resulted in the State’s Petition to Detain being granted, meaning Knox will remain in custody until his trial.

The charges stem from an incident on January 28, around 3 pm, when officers attempted to conduct an investigative stop on a group of males at the Stop N Save in Peoria’s North Valley. The group fled as officers approached. Surveillance video from the store showed Knox throwing a black handgun into the store's dumpster before escaping. The recovered gun was loaded with an extended magazine and fitted with an auto sear, or “switch,” which converts it into a fully automatic weapon.

In connection with this incident, two other individuals, Zarion Harris and a 17-year-old, have also been previously charged with weapons offenses.

The investigation into the matter continues. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521.