Two teens are charged with first-degree murder in the death of a man who was killed during an alleged motor vehicle theft at a South Peoria towing company.
Peoria County State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos said Jaylin Polnitz, 16, and Terrance Shaw, 18 are both charged with first-degree murder in connection with the incident that resulted in Monday's death of William Collier, 70, at Billy Jo’s Towing.
Hoos said although Polnitz is a minor, his age and the charge means the case is automatically classified as an adult felony.
The Peoria Police Department obtained attest warrants for Shaw and Polnitz.
Police are still looking for Shaw. They describe him as a black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Police say Shaw is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information about Shaw's whereabouts are asked to call 911.
Officials said Polnitz was taken into custody at the Peoria Police Department shortly before 3 p.m. Friday afternoon without incident.
According to police, officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at Billie Jo’s Towing in the 1500 block of West Lincoln Avenue. Witnesses told police two men, allegedly Polnitz and Shaw, had taken the vehicle and were leaving the lot when employees tried to close the gate. Both employees were struck as the vehicle sped through the closing gate.
Collier later died at a local hospital, while the other employee’s injuries were not life threatening.
The state’s attorney’s office said the investigation into the incident is ongoing and anyone with related information is asked to contact the Peoria Police Department.
