William Collier dies in fatal Peoria shooting

William Collier dies in fatal Peoria shooting

Fatal Peoria shooting death of William Collier – Obituary

William Collier, 70, of Bartonville, lost his life following a tragic incident at Billie Joe’s Towing yard in Peoria earlier this week. Authorities say that Collier was critically injured on Monday afternoon when two suspects attempted to flee the property in a stolen vehicle and drove through a closed gate, striking him and another person in the process.

Peoria County prosecutors have charged 16-year-old Jaylin Polnitz and 18-year-old Terrance Shaw with first-degree murder in connection to Collier’s death. Despite his age, Polnitz will be prosecuted as an adult due to the severity of the charge.

According to the Peoria Police Department, a warrant was issued for both suspects. Polnitz was arrested without resistance Friday afternoon at the police station. Shaw, described as a 5’10” Black male weighing about 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, remains at large. Law enforcement warns the public not to approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

The fatal encounter began when police responded to a stolen vehicle call at Billie Joe’s Towing on West Lincoln Avenue. Investigators believe the teens forced open the gate while speeding off the property, hitting the two individuals trying to secure the entrance. Collier was transported to OSF Hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries the following day at 4:58 p.m.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Shaw’s whereabouts to contact 911 immediately.