Peoria Police Department

One woman is dead and another is in custody following a stabbing Tuesday night on the western edge of Downtown Peoria.

Gun violence in Peoria increased slightly in May, with homicides and shooting incidents now all above last year’s pace.

Peoria has renewed the police department’s subscription to the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system for another three years. Police Chief Brad Dixon said the service has been very helpful in assisting officers in their response to shooting incidents.

New Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon says the city deserves a police department that communicates openly, acts with integrity, and earns the public’s trust. A Peoria native who’s been on the force for more than 25 years, Dixon is in his first week of leading the department following his recent promotion.

New Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon affirmed his dedication to the city and commitment to transparency and accountability in taking his oath of office Friday at City Hall.

Coroner Jamie Harwood said Ashley N. Stenson, 42, of Atlanta, Ga., was pronounced dead at 7:03 p.m. Friday at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Stenson died of multiple gunshot wounds and died instantly, according to the autopsy.

A female victim and a male suspect are dead after Peoria Police officers exchanged fire with a gunman who allegedly shot the woman Friday night near Hamilton and Madison streets in Downtown Peoria.

According to a news release from the Peoria Police Department, Christopher R. Richerson, 52, was found in the garage of a residence in the 1800 block of Kickapoo Creek Road.

It's not clear if any of the three shooting incidents within a two-hour timespan Sunday evening are related. Police are urging the public to come forward with information, photos and video related to any of the incidents.

Retiring Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria believes the department is in a better place than when he took the job five years ago.