Peoria bomb threat: What to know about the police warning and one-mile evacuation zone

Police in Peoria, Illinois, have issued a mandatory evacuation order for parts of Peoria and neighboring East Peoria as they investigate a bomb threat at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol and alcohol production plant.

Police have urged anyone who lives or works within a one-mile radius of the facility to evacuate their homes and businesses immediately. The order remains in place until further notice.

In its Facebook notice, the Peoria Police Department said: "The evacuation recommendation is being issued out of an abundance of caution while officers and emergency personnel investigate the threat."


Police also said: "Officers are currently on scene conducting a thorough investigation and search of the facility to determine the credibility of the threat and ensure public safety."

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Where can people go for shelter?

As per the facebook post, anyone who needs shelter can go to Manual Academy at 811 S. Griswold Street in Peoria.

People who need help with evacuation can call 309.673.4527 for assistance, the police department said.

What areas should people avoid?

Police urged all citizens to avoid the one-mile area around the facility until further notice. The department said most streets in the area had been closed.

It also asked residents and businesses within the designated area to cooperate with emergency personnel and stay away until further notice.

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What are officials saying about the threat?

East Peoria Mayor John Kahl said, "There has been a credible threat and the city is taking it seriously," according to CBS affiliate WMBD-TV.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali also urged people to leave the area. "This must be treated as a credible threat. We are asking all people within the one-mile zone to evacuate," she said, according to CBS affiliate WMBD-TV.

How are people reacting to the evacuation?

Several Facebook users asked for more information about the threat and the evacuation.

One user said: "It’d be helpful to show a more labeled map for people that might not be as familiar with which street is which." Another commenter said their family lived within the one-mile zone and asked police to confirm whether evacuation was necessary. Other users also asked for more details about the incident and the areas affected.