Device deemed ‘credible threat’ triggers evacuation around ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois

A suspicious device at an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, has triggered evacuations within a mile radius, with local events forced to be canceled as investigations continue.

Police and federal authorities said Saturday morning they had found a device considered a “credible threat” and secured it, without providing details on its nature.

The search was ongoing and the evacuation order remains in effect, Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon said at a news conference.

“We’re going to have to search the entire property,” Dixon said, referring to the BioUrja ethanol plant.

The area “has not been made safe,” he said. “There is going to be an exhaustive search of the facility that is not yet complete.”

“I don’t want to say how many we found, or where we found them,” he added, but said people living within a one-mile radius “should absolutely evacuate the area.”

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali told NBC affiliate WEEK that there was an “all hands on deck” response, saying, “A device has been identified. We know it’s a credible threat. We know it’s a bomb.”

FBI Special Agent Ryan Presley told media that FBI personnel, along with local and state police, determined that a “suspicious package posed a threat and made it safe.”

Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois) met with evacuees at Peoria Emanual High School Friday evening.

“This is the designated shelter area for those impacted by the evacuation taking place just south of downtown Peoria,” he said in an update. “What we need to make sure is that everyone is making the right decisions. If you are within a one-mile radius of the BioUrja chemical plant in Peoria, you need to evacuate.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker urged residents to “follow the instructions of law enforcement and stay away from the area.”

American country music singer Jon Pardi was forced to cancel his show scheduled for Friday evening at the Peoria Civic Center.

“On orders from the Chief of Police, tonight’s concert has been canceled due to local security concerns,” he posted on Instagram, adding that tickets would be refunded.

Dozer Park baseball stadium, home of the Peoria Chiefs Minor League Baseball team, also canceled an on-site holiday event.

Nearby OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center said it was “taking all appropriate precautions in response to the situation in downtown Peoria.” A statement said: “We will continue to monitor the situation and take any additional measures necessary to maintain a safe environment for those we serve and those who work in our facilities. »