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Teen mobs harass motorists

In one case, a Meals on Wheels delivery driver threatened; in another, gun brandished and woman's car window smashed

PEORIA —

Two motorists were accosted by groups of teenagers within a few days of each other in an area near the site of a similar incident over the summer that drew national attention.

A group of about 50 young people on West Thrush Avenue near North Sheridan Road in June caused a disturbance by blocking the roadway and, according to one resident but not others, shouting race-related remarks.

Comments related to race also were part of one of the incidents last week.

A Meals on Wheels delivery driver was making his way to a home in the 800 block of West Nowland Avenue about 12:45 p.m. Wednesday when he encountered a group of 15 teens - 13 males and two females - walking down the middle of the road.

The group would not yield to the motorist, who followed him until reaching the house where he had to make the meal delivery. As he exited to take the food to the door, he was verbally attacked, according to a report on the incident.

One teen called him "honky," while another threatened to "kick his white (expletive)."

As the volunteer driver returned to his car to leave, the teens surrounded his car and pounded on it. The vehicle was not damaged, but police noted disturbances to dust on the vehicle, backing up the driver's story.

A woman driving in the 800 block of West Brons Avenue on Saturday night was the subject of a similar, but much more aggressive confrontation. She encountered a group of more than 40 teens about 10:25 p.m.

The group surrounded the 21-year-old woman's car and began beating on it with an object that shattered her driver's side window. One of the boys involved in the attack also pointed a handgun in the direction of a passenger in the car, but didn't make any threats or attempt to open the door.

When police responded, the group scattered in different directions. No arrests were made.

Both incidents remain under investigation by police. Public information officer Doug Burgess said Monday the incidents do not appear to be organized efforts, but rather the byproduct of unruly circumstances.

"It's not groups that are getting together to wreak havoc on the community," Burgess said.

The group Wednesday likely had just left school after District 150 released students early for the day. Police also have fielded reports that the group Saturday night had just left a nearby house party. The large group in June, too, had been at a house party just before that incident.