PEORIA, Illinois — On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at approximately 1:32 p.m., Peoria Police responded to a report of an armed vehicle hijacking at Autohaus of Peoria in the 2300 block of W. Van Winkle Way, according to PPD Incident #25-7545. The incident unfolded during a test drive when the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Tyshawn D. Britton, allegedly claimed to be armed with a handgun and ordered the dealership employee to exit the vehicle. The employee complied, sustaining minor injuries, while Britton fled at high speed in the stolen Corvette.
With assistance from the Illinois State Police, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and Morton Police Department, the vehicle was located on Interstate 155 near San Jose, Illinois, roughly 45 minutes from Peoria. Britton was apprehended without further incident, though no firearm was found on him or in the vehicle, raising questions about the veracity of his threat and whether a weapon was disposed of during the chase. He was transported to the Peoria Police Department for questioning and subsequently booked into Peoria County Jail on charges of aggravated vehicle hijacking, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and an active warrant. Reports indicate a similar incident occurred the previous day in Bloomington, where a Camaro was stolen from a dealership under similar circumstances, and authorities are investigating a possible connection, though this remains unconfirmed.
The incident underscores vulnerabilities at car dealerships, where test drives can expose employees to risks, especially without stringent vetting of customers. The absence of a recovered firearm also prompts scrutiny of whether Britton’s threat was a bluff, potentially impacting the severity of his charges, though his prior warrant suggests a history of criminal behavior. Anyone with information about this incident or other violent crimes is urged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521, tip411 anonymously, or Crime Stoppers at 309-673-9000.
The Peoria community is encouraged to remain vigilant as authorities continue to investigate. Let’s support law enforcement in ensuring justice and safety for all residents.
Published by State Gleam
Keywords: Tyshawn D. Britton, Armed Vehicle Hijacking, Autohaus of Peoria, Peoria Police, I-155 San Jose, April 2025
