Armed Suspect with Hammer Threatens Employee and Flees Police in Peoria

Summary: A white male suspect, later identified as Skylar Prentice, was reported in the 7700 block of Grand Prairie near Coldstone Creamery in Peoria, Illinois, striking signs with a hammer and threatening an employee. The suspect fled into a wooded area north of Tequila's restaurant, prompting a large police response including the deployment of drones and K9 units. The suspect, described as wearing a dark blue cutoff t-shirt, white shorts, and a blue backpack, was tracked through fields, apartment complexes, and wooded areas, repeatedly seen wielding the hammer. After an extended search and pursuit, the suspect was apprehended near the cornfield between the apartments and the dome, and taken into custody. Aggravated assault charges were considered due to the threats and the suspect being armed.