Three shootings in the last four days are causing concern for police and residents of the south side of Peoria. Three people are dead and Peoria Police Chief Steve Settingsgard says at least two of the shootings have significant gang ties.
The chief says they are “very concerned this isn’t over. And we are very concerned we now have a very serious, what I’ll call a brush fire burning and it needs to be put out.”
The department is leveling what Settingsgaard calls a swift and severe response. He says saturation patrols are already in place and the Don’t Shoot Program is also being brought to bear on the situation.
The chief says the two of shootings seem to have ties to gangs called Zone 4 and the 4-Corner Hustlers, with at least the Zone 4 controversy stemming from a internal gang issues.
Police also have Marquis Costic in custody. He is accused of the shooting Sunday night that involved a semi-automatic weapon and the death of 17-year old Treyshawn Blakely.
South side shootings garner police response
