Bomb found at Illinois ethanol plant, prompting evacuations
Residents were ordered to evacuate parts of an Illinois community on Friday after authorities found a bomb at a local ethanol- and alcohol-production plant.
The discovery reported at BioUrja Renewables in Peoria triggered a mandatory evacuation over a one-mile evacuation zone encompassing sections of that city as well as the adjacent municipality of East Peoria. At about 7.05pm local time on Friday, the Peoria police department announced officers were "actively investigating a reported bomb threat" at the facility.
Bomb rendered safe
Peoria's police chief, Brad Dixon, said at a news conference early on Saturday that bomb technicians had rendered the object in question safe. However, Dixon asked for the public's patience as investigators searched BioUrja Renewals' expansive facility for other explosive devices.
We don't know if there are other devices.
FBI investigation
Ryan Presley of the FBI, who is in charge of the bureau's field office about an hour away in Springfield, Illinois, said agents would pursue whoever was responsible "tirelessly" and "bring them to justice". Illinois state senator Dave Koehler emphasized the seriousness of the situation during the early Saturday news conference.
Emergency response
The city offered the Manual Academy school as a temporary shelter, and police said anyone who needed assistance evacuating their home or business could call for help. The municipal government of neighboring East Peoria acknowledged that the evacuation zone extended into part of that city, with updates expected at about 9am local time on Saturday.
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