Peoria, IL — Authorities have identified the man who died after being struck by a vehicle fleeing a tow yard in Peoria earlier this week.
According to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood, the victim was 70-year-old William Collier of Weiman Avenue in Bartonville. Collier was rushed to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in critical condition after the incident but succumbed to his injuries at 4:58 p.m. Tuesday.
Harwood confirmed that Collier sustained severe traumatic head injuries along with multiple blunt-force trauma injuries.
The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. Monday at Billie Jo’s Towing, located on West Lincoln Avenue. Peoria Police responded to reports of a vehicle theft in progress.
According to police, two unidentified suspects entered the tow yard and attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle. As employees tried to shut the gate to prevent their escape, the suspects reportedly drove through the gate at a high rate of speed, striking two individuals in the process. One of those victims was later identified as Collier.
The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in the 800 block of South Warren Street, but as of Thursday, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
Peoria Police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspects’ whereabouts to contact Peoria Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The community is mourning the tragic loss of Collier, described by neighbors as a kind and hardworking man. Authorities are asking the public to come forward with any tips that might help bring justice to his family.