PEORIA, Ill. — An 18-year-old man was taken into custody Saturday in connection with the fatal incident that claimed the life of a 70-year-old in a towing yard earlier this week. Terrance Shaw was arrested after police located him at the Peoria Police Department around 5:30 p.m., according to authorities.
Shaw faces charges of first-degree murder alongside 16-year-old Jaylin Polnitz, who was apprehended a day earlier. Both individuals are implicated in the death of William Collier, who sustained critical injuries during a chaotic scene at Billy Jo’s Towing on West Lincoln Avenue on Monday afternoon.
Police responded to reports of a stolen vehicle around 3:45 p.m. and arrived to find witnesses recounting a frantic escape attempt by Shaw and Polnitz. According to law enforcement, as the two tried to flee, they struck two employees of the tow yard with their vehicle. While one worker sustained minor injuries, Collier was tragically injured and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Investigators later discovered the abandoned vehicle in the 800 block of South Warren Street. The police have not disclosed further details regarding the events that led up to these deadly confrontations, but the case has drawn significant attention from the community.
Sgt. Amy Dotson of the Peoria police confirmed both arrests and conveyed that detectives are working diligently to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation is ongoing, as police continue to gather evidence and witness statements.
The loss of Collier has raised concerns among residents about safety and the events leading to the violence that unfolded at the towing yard. Local community members are seeking answers and justice for the family of the deceased.
As the legal proceedings move forward, both Shaw and Polnitz are expected to appear in court to face the charges against them. The outcome of the case could have lasting implications for the community, which is grappling with the impact of this tragedy.