Normal Police Chief has stern warning for potential looters

Posted on June 3, 2020

 

The Chief added that while they respect the right to protest when they encounter scenes like this, and protests turn into acts of civil disobedience and vandalism, they will step in. (Photo courtesy: HOI/ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL  – Normal’s top cop has a stern warning for looters in the Twin Cities, if you try to loot, police will be waiting for you.

This after four people were arrested for looting and mob action in connection with looting at Target in Normal Sunday night.

Normal’s Police Chief, Rick Bleichner led a Zoom call and said his officers will be out and about at several potential hot spots Tuesday.

When asked about local business owners who want to defend their stores with guns, he said while he understands it may be their right to do so, his only concern is if they assume a business is closed and police respond and do not know someone is inside and potentially armed it could be a recipe for disaster.

But he did acknowledge, “What hasn’t been documented I guess is the multiple attempts that were made at businesses to damage or breach that were not successful, and that’s because of their staff, our staff, and other agencies.”

The Chief added that while they respect the right to protest when they encounter scenes like this, and protests turn into acts of civil disobedience and vandalism, they will step in.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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