12:00 pm UTC Mar. 17, 2021
PEORIA Melvin Sanders Sr. seeks hometown redemption.
As a gang chief during the 1980s and 1990s, Sanders beleaguered Peoria with drugs and violence. Awash in booze and drugs, he left town about two decades ago to chase a woman, but instead found Jesus.
But even amid his spiritual salvation, old sins exacted a heavy price. Two adult sons were shot to death in Peoria, while a third recently was charged in a gunshot slaying. In the aftermath, Sanders readily recognizes the role he played in breeding mayhem on the streets of Peoria.
“God told me I’m reaping what I’ve sewn,” the 53-year-old Sanders says. “ … I’m getting what I’ve done to other people.”
PEORIA A Central Peoria location that once was home to a car wash is poised to be home to another car wash.
Tommy s Express Car Wash is to occupy the vacant lot at 2145 N. Knoxville Ave. That address was the site of Waterworks Car Wash, part of a regional chain. But that location closed recently and was demolished.
Located just south of a McDonald s restaurant, the planned car wash appears to offer more bells and whistles than did its predecessor.
Michigan-based Tommy s Express has about 120 locations in at least 11 states, according to its website. About half those locations are open; the rest are under development.
PEORIA Peoria police have arrested a 31-year-old Central Peoria man in connection with a shooting last spring at a South Peoria convenience store.
Tyree A. Thomas Jr, is accused of shooting another man at the South Metro Market, 2421 W. Starr St., on May 30, 2020.
On that day, Peoria police reported to a shooting and found a man with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and leg. The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
In August, Peoria police asked for the public s help in finding a person of interest who was sought in connection with the this shooting.
PEORIA A Central Peoria man faces up to 55 years in prison after being indicted Tuesday for attempting to murder another person last summer.
Devaughn J. Owens, 19, of 4012 N. Rochelle Lane, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery in connection with the July 18, 2020, incident at Landmark Apartments.
The shooting happened at about 9 p.m. and the male victim was driven to an area hospital, where police were notified of his arrival, according to Journal Star archives.
At the time, police said the injuries didn t seem life-threatening, but the grand jury indictment alleges Owens fired at the victim with the intent to kill him.