Executive Summary
- Three adults and five juveniles were arrested in Woodford County regarding stolen vehicles.
- One suspect, Terrance Shaw, was previously charged in the death of William Collier in Peoria.
- The investigation involved a high-speed chase terminated for safety and collaboration with the Auto Crimes Taskforce.
GOODFIELD, Ill. – Authorities in Woodford County have arrested three adults and five juveniles following an eight-month investigation into stolen vehicles connected to a fatal incident at a South Peoria towing business last year. According to the Goodfield Police Department, the arrests were announced on Saturday and stem from an inquiry that began in June, linking the suspects to vehicles associated with the death of a 70-year-old man.
Police identified the adult suspects as 19-year-old Marcus King, 18-year-old Terrance Shaw, and 18-year-old Xzavier Dillard. Officials noted that Shaw had previously been charged in Peoria County in connection with the death of William Collier of Bartonville, which occurred at Billie Jo’s Towing. The investigation also resulted in charges against five juveniles, whose identities have not been released due to their age.
The Goodfield Police Department reported that the investigation began when they were notified last June that a vehicle stolen from Peoria had been tracked to a Shell gas station in Goodfield. Upon responding to the scene, officers discovered a second stolen vehicle. A pursuit was initiated but was subsequently terminated due to safety concerns as the vehicles approached the Peoria city limits.
According to official statements, investigators collaborated with the Greater Peoria Auto Crimes Taskforce to connect the evidence. It was determined through this partnership that at least one of the vehicles involved in the chase was directly linked to the fatal incident at Billie Jo’s Towing.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Outlook
This case underscores the critical role of multi-agency collaboration in addressing crimes that span multiple jurisdictions. The involvement of the Greater Peoria Auto Crimes Taskforce highlights a strategic focus on dismantling auto theft rings that operate across county lines. Furthermore, the termination of the pursuit due to safety concerns reflects modern law enforcement protocols designed to balance the apprehension of suspects with the immediate safety of the motoring public, particularly when suspects are fleeing toward densely populated urban areas.
