A one-mile area that includes parts of Downtown Peoria and the Warehouse District and extends across the Illinois River were evacuated Friday night after a reported bomb threat at nearby BioUrja Renewables.
Peoria Police announced the bomb threat just after 7 p.m. Friday at the former ADM plant at 1 Edmund St., Peoria. Officers were conducting a investigation and search of the facility to determine the credibility of the threat and ensure public safety, police said.
As a precautionary measure, Peoria Police is urging anyone who lives or works within a one-mile radius of the facility to immediately evacuate their homes and businesses until further notice. That includes much of the city's Southside and Warehouse District and extends across the Illinois River to homes and several Caterpillar buildings.
The evacuation recommendation is being issued out of an abundance of caution while officers and emergency personnel investigate the threat. If anyone evacuating needs to seek shelter, please go to Manual Academy, 811 S. Griswold St., Peoria.
Most streets in this area have been closed off. The evacuation zone includes the Bob Michel Bridge and Cedar Street Bridge, which was already closed for construction.
Residents and businesses within the designated area are asked to cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid the area until further notice.
This story will be updated.
