Local: Samaritan motorist robbed at gunpoint
From the Peoria Police Department:
On February 23, 2009 at approximately 10:50 pm, a female driver was flagged down by what she believed to be a stranded motorist in the area of Willow Knolls and Allen Road. Once the female stopped, the suspect produced a black handgun, ordered her to the ground and robbed her of an undisclosed amount of cash. After the robbery, the suspect drove away in the vehicle he portrayed to be disabled.
The suspect vehicle is a white, boxy style, older car with an Illinois registration beginning with the numbers “816” or possibly “815”.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’1” to 6’2” tall and weighing between 180 and 190 pounds. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a black hooded jacket, black pants and a Chicago White Sox hat.
Anyone with information regarding this or any armed robbery is urged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521 or Crime Stoppers at 309-673-9000.
The Peoria Police Department encourages safety first when assisting stranded motorists especially in the late evening or late night hours. Please use extreme caution and only stop in well lit, public areas. If you see a motorist or person in need of assistance, notify the Police of your location before stopping and give a brief description of the person or vehicle you’re stopping to help and request an officer stop by.
February 24th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
The fact that the Peoria PD has to print this advice is a sad comment on people’s common sense. Don’t stop for a stranded motorist at 11 at night, especially if you’re a woman travelling alone. Call the police. That’s what they’re for.
February 24th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I wonder if she was wearing her “I’m carrying cash” shirt. What a dolt. Still, try and call the police and tell them you are stopping to help someone and are requesting a police officer to stop by. The snotty operator will ask if there is trouble and then ask why do you need an officer. Go ahead, try it.
February 24th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Why did she stop? Hasn’t this person heard about the crime spree?
Her story makes no sense.
Who would stop and pick up a black man, dressed like the perps who are currently robbing citizens at gun point every day? Not me.
February 24th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
White Sox hat–Jim thome??
February 24th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Jim Thome’s white. And he’s definitely not 180 pounds.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Okay, maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think she was stupid. Yes, the situation didn’t end well. I am sure the woman weighed the risk to herself, vs. the guilt of not helping someone in need, and decided she should stop.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
She obviously didn’t weigh the risk. A woman travelling alone should NEVER stop for a man on the side of the road at 11 PM. I don’t care if it’s a bloody man with long hair and a crown of thorns, she still shouldn’t stop.