An employee of a Peoria towing shop was killed Monday afternoon after he was run over by a vehicle being stolen from their lot.
According to the Peoria Police Department, officers responded to Billie Jo’s Towing in the 1500 block of West Lincoln Avenue in response to a vehicle that had just been stolen from the site.
A pair of men had entered the vehicle and fled the lot when two employees tried to close the gate and trap them inside. The men then sped up to run through the gate, forcing it open and injuring the two employees.
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One employee suffered minor injuries. The other sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He died a short while later. The Peoria County coroner will release the victim’s identity and cause of death.
Officers were able to locate the stolen vehicle in the 800 block of South Warren Street but were unable to locate the suspects.
The incident remains under investigation by police, with anyone wanting to provide information asked to contact the department at (309) 673-4521 or provide an anonymous tip through their Tip411 service. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Towing employee dies after being run over by stolen vehicle