After months of stonewalling, Peoria Police Department finally releases footage of Brian Childers allegedly pointing a gun at a police officer.
On March 18th, 2024, Brian Childers was stopped in Peoria, IL by a Peoria Police Officer. According to police incident reports, Officer Ward noticed Childers car at a residence that police claim is a “place where patrons conduct illegal narcotic activity.” Officer Ward pursued Childers’ Honda Pickup Truck.
According to the incident report:
“I turned south on Ligonier and east on Latrobe, where I observed the listed vehicle turn north on Griswold and fail to activate its turn signal (IVC violation). I then turned north on Griswold, where I observed the listed vehicle turn east on Starr and fail to activate its turn signal (IVC violation). At this time, I was still attempting to catch up to the listed vehicle so I could read/run the plate. I observed the car increase its speed and then decrease its speed.
Once at the intersection of Starr/Western, I observed the listed vehicle enter traffic at this time, almost striking a white sedan/car driving southbound Western passing star who had the right away (IVC Violation); I also observed the listed vehicle fail to activate its turn signal when it turns on Western from Starr (IVC Violation). I also observed the listed driver look at my full-marked PPD vehicle through the rearview mirror. At this point, I activated my red and blue overhead lights, indicating a traffic stop.
The vehicle continued driving northbound Western at a high speed, disregarding my red and blue emergency lights. I sounded my siren to get the listed vehicle to stop, with negative results. It was apparent the listed vehicle would not stop, so I deactivated my overhead emergency lights and terminated the pursuit. I could still see the taillight and observed the vehicle turn right; at the time, what I thought to be eastbound onto Lincoln from Western. As I approached Lincoln/Western, I observed the listed vehicle parked in the parking lot of Da Catch on Western.
I reactivated my overhead light and approached the vehicle’s driver’s side. Due to the erratic behavior, including attempting to flee initially, I believed Childers (Sole occupant) might’ve been intoxicated, so I requested the Childers (W/M, dressed in a black shirt with blond hair) to exit the vehicle. Childers did not comply.
At this time, due to his uncooperative, I unholstered my department-issued firearm, pointed it in the direction of Childers, and told him to exit the vehicle. It was at this time Childers produced a black compact-style gun and pointed it at me. I retreated to the car’s rear, radioed (10-32), and Childers took off westbound out of the parking lot, northbound Western, then eastbound Callender out of sight. Dispatch advised the vehicle was last seen westbound on I-74, passing the Gale exit.”
As can be seen in the body-cam footage, Officer Ward walks up to the driver’s side window, immediately demands Childers to exit the vehicle, and attempts to open the driver’s side door. Childers repeatedly said, “I don’t want no problem officer.” Officer Ward then pulls his gun out and aims it at Childers yelling at him to get out of the vehicle.
A second passes. Childers can be seen lifting a gun up and pointing it at Officer Ward. Ward immediately retreated behind Childers’ vehicle. Childers can be heard saying, “I will too. Don’t fuck with me, Officer.” He then apologizes before driving off.
Police later discover Mr. Childers was staying at the Par-a-Dice Hotel & Casino in East Peoria. They arrested Mr. Childers and took him into custody. Mr. Childer’s was found with $2,400 of cash on him. Par-A-Dice Casino informed police Mr. Childer’s had won $2,156.94 from the casino. Police allege they found nearly 20 grams of methamphetamine either on Mr. Childers’ person or in his hotel room.
According to police reports, Mr. Childers admitted during his interrogation that he did point a gun at the officer and the gun found on him during his arrest was the gun he used. The gun was LC9 and was loaded when found on Mr. Childers. Mr. Childers allegedly stated he pulled the gun on the officer in self-defense. The Peoria Police Department has refused to release any interrogation video.
Mr. Childers’ was later taken to the Peoria County Jail.
Despite attempts by the Peoria State’s Attorney to have Childers remanded into custody pending trial, Judge Mark Gilles allowed Childers to be released pre-trial citing his lack of a criminal history. His pre-trial restrictions included: electronic monitoring, not leaving the state without court permission, refraining from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapons, not to possess or consume alcohol or illegal substances and submit to a random drug testing.
In response to Childer’s being released, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria held a press conference on Wednesday the 20th of March.1 Standing at a podium with a blue line of PPD officers erected behind him, Echevarria blasted Judge Gilles for releasing Childers.
“It is beyond belief and beyond me how our judges can release somebody who has pointed a gun at one of my officers,” Echevarria said indignantly. “What is the message that we’re sending to our community when somebody can point a gun not just at somebody in the community but let alone a police officer in this community who is tasked with keeping this community safe…. I’m upset. If I sound upset, it’s because I am upset…. This has to stop! It has to stop!”
Childers was later re-arrested on March 22nd, 2024, when Tazewell County issued an arrest warrant. Officers arrested him at the Peoria County Courthouse without incident. Chief Echevarria can be seen in the arrest footage standing outside and taking a picture of Mr. Childer’s as he was escorted out saying sardonically that it was nice to meet him.
Tazewell County Judge Chris Doscotch remanded Childers to jail. He is currently awaiting trial in the Tazewell County Jail.
Mr. Childers is currently being charged in Peoria County with Aggravated Assault and a litany of traffic violations. Mr. Childers is also being charged in Tazewell County with Armed Violence and several Meth-related felonies. He is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
- You can view the full press conference here.
