Bomb threat at Peoria, Illinois, ethanol plant forces evacuation of nearby residents
Police called the device a credible threat, and the evacuation within a one-mile radius was lifted after a long search of the facility.
Police in Peoria, Illinois, said a package found Friday at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant was a credible threat. Bomb technicians rendered it safe at about 9:12 p.m. local time. Police set up a one-mile evacuation radius around the plant, and residents were moved to a high school shelter. Police said no injuries were reported and no arrests had been made.
Investigators searched the large facility for hours and found no additional devices, and the evacuation order was lifted, police said Saturday. The ATF and FBI are leading what officials describe as a criminal investigation. Police Chief Brad Dixon said officials would not comment further on the device because the investigation is active. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he directed state police to coordinate with local authorities.
Local events were canceled as a result, including a concert by country singer Jon Pardi at the Peoria Civic Center and a holiday event at Dozer Park. The plant sits along the Illinois River, and the city's mayor said it handles ethanol and highly combustible chemicals.
By the numbers
- 1 milethe evacuation radius around the plant
Key points
- The FBI and ATF are investigating the threat as a criminal matter.
- Officials said the incident was not being treated as a hoax.
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