PEORIA, Illinois — Residents in the 2100 block of W. Harper Terrace woke up to unsettling news on April 9, 2025, after Peoria Police caught a man breaking into vehicles in the early morning hours. At around 3:25 a.m., officers responded to reports of a male checking car door handles, a sight that sent chills down the spine of a neighborhood known for its quiet streets. After a chase involving a PPD drone and a brief sprint on foot, police arrested 25-year-old Tremere K. Marks Jr., bringing relief to a community shaken by the thought of a thief in their midst.
The incident began when a vigilant neighbor, unable to sleep, noticed a man walking through the area, tugging on car doors under the dim glow of streetlights. She quickly called the police, her heart racing as she watched him move from one vehicle to the next. When Peoria Police arrived, they spotted Marks, who took off running the moment he saw them. Officers launched a PPD drone, its infrared camera cutting through the darkness to track him as he darted through backyards. The chase ended in the 2000 block of W. Virginia, where police caught Marks after a brief struggle. A search revealed stolen items in his pockets—small things like sunglasses and a portable charger, items that held big meaning to their owners.
For the Peoria neighborhood, the incident was a wake-up call. One resident, a father of three who parks his car on the street, checked his vehicle that morning and found the glovebox open, his registration papers scattered. “It feels like someone broke into your home,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. “You work hard for what you have, and someone thinks they can just take it.” Others on Harper Terrace shared similar stories, finding loose change missing or car seats rummaged through. The thought of a stranger lurking in the early hours, while families slept just feet away, left many feeling vulnerable in a place they’ve always called safe.
The Peoria Police Department’s quick response earned praise from the community. Marks was arrested for burglary to a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, obstructing police, and an active warrant, and he was taken to the Peoria County Jail. The use of the PPD drone proved crucial, showing how technology can help keep the city safe. But officers know their work isn’t done. Vehicle burglaries have been a growing concern in Peoria, with police responding to over 150 similar reports in 2024 alone, often in quiet neighborhoods like this one. They’re urging residents to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight, simple steps that can stop thieves in their tracks.
The arrest has brought some comfort, but the neighborhood is still on edge. Peoria Police are asking anyone with information about this incident or other crimes to call (309) 673-4521, tip411, or Crime Stoppers at (309) 673-9000—all anonymously. As the sun rises over Harper Terrace, residents are locking their doors a little tighter, but they’re also coming together, determined to keep their streets safe. They know it’s their vigilance, paired with the police’s dedication, that will protect their community in the long run.
Published by State Gleam
Keywords: Peoria Police, Tremere Marks, Vehicle Burglary, Harper Terrace, PPD Drone, Peoria Crime, Car Break-Ins, Drone Chase
