FBI part of investigation into credible bomb threat at Illinois ethanol plant

PEORIA, Ill. (WEEK/Gray News) - The mass evacuation of neighborhoods within a one-mile radius of an Illinois ethanol plant continued Saturday after police said a suspicious package was determined to be a credible bomb threat.While the package found at BioUrja Renewables was “rendered safe,” Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon said a search was being conducted at the South Peoria plant.

The Details

Search of the facility continuesDixon said the company notified police of the threat at 1:08 p.m. He said bomb technicians rendered the package safe just over seven hours later.At a news conference at 12:40 a.m. Saturday, Dixon asked for the public’s patience as investigators search the large facility for other explosive devices.Ryan Presley, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Springfield office, declined to provide additional details.

He said investigators will work “tirelessly” to find whoever is responsible and “bring them to justice.”Mayor confirms deviceAbout two hours earlier, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali add