Peoria observed National Night Out Against Crime Tuesday following a rash of homicides last month. Peoria Public Radio’s Alex Rusciano reports some events featured peace walks, face painting and barbeque:
South Side resident Kouri Mack is grilled hotdogs at the Proctor Recreation Center for neighbors.
“I prefer to cook with wood. Apple, cherry, oak. because the flavor comes off of that wood.”
Mack says a lack of steady employment and drug trade are major factors behind the recent violence:
“Another young man may see somebody selling narcotics. They may say to themselves ‘OK, he’s getting money. Well I need money. So therefore let me go rob him.’ And they’re both wrong.”
The Center is a block from one of last month’s fatal shootings. South Side Peoria Police Resident Officer Christopher White says residents can push back crime by reporting suspicious behavior:
“And if these good people will come together, and just call the police and take a stand against this type of behavior, it’ll go away.”
Events were held in all five city districts, including a peace march and face painting in the East Bluff.