Peoria, Illinois – Tensions ran high in Peoria on Tuesday evening after a violent confrontation between police officers and a man armed with a baseball bat ended in a fatal shooting. Authorities confirmed that 41-year-old Brandon Lewis, a Peoria resident, died at the scene following the encounter.
Timeline of the Incident
At approximately 5:15 p.m. on August 5, 2025, officers with the Peoria Police Department responded to a call about a suspicious individual near the intersection of Northeast Glen Oak Avenue and Prospect Road. Witnesses had reported a man behaving erratically in the area, prompting police to intervene.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with Brandon Lewis, who was carrying a wooden baseball bat. According to police reports, Lewis became aggressive and swung the bat at officers, striking one officer on the arm.
The situation quickly escalated. The officer who was struck discharged a single round from his service firearm, hitting Lewis in the abdomen, while another officer deployed a Taser in an attempt to subdue him. Despite being wounded, Lewis attempted to flee the immediate area but collapsed a short distance away.
Police officers immediately approached, secured him in handcuffs, and began administering emergency medical aid. Paramedics were also dispatched to the scene. Unfortunately, despite life-saving efforts, Lewis was pronounced deceased.
Cause of Death
Preliminary autopsy findings released by the Peoria County Coroner’s Office later that evening revealed that Lewis died as a result of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The coroner emphasized that a full autopsy and toxicology results will follow in the coming weeks to determine if other factors contributed to his death.
Police and Community Reactions
The Peoria Police Department has stated that the use of deadly force was in direct response to an immediate threat to officer safety. “When an officer is attacked with a weapon, they have seconds to react. The priority is to protect their own life, their partner, and the public,” a department spokesperson explained in a press release.
However, the fatal incident has sparked a wave of community concern and debate. Some residents have voiced support for the officers, citing the dangers of confronting armed individuals, while others have raised questions about whether non-lethal options could have been prioritized.
Local advocacy groups have already announced plans to monitor the investigation closely. “Every time there is a use of deadly force, especially one resulting in a death, the community deserves transparency and accountability,” one community leader commented.
Ongoing Investigation
The officer who discharged his weapon has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure during investigations into officer-involved shootings. The Illinois State Police and Peoria Police Department’s internal review board are both participating in the inquiry.
Meanwhile, city officials are urging residents to remain patient while the investigation unfolds. “We ask the community not to rush to judgment,” said a statement from City Hall. “This process takes time, and we are committed to ensuring that all facts come to light.”
Broader Context
This is not the first time the Peoria Police Department has faced scrutiny over the use of force. In recent years, incidents involving lethal encounters have fueled broader conversations about police training, mental health interventions, and non-lethal alternatives.
Experts note that baseball bats, while not firearms, can still be lethal weapons. “An impact from a wooden bat can cause life-threatening injuries,” said a law enforcement analyst. “Police officers are trained to respond proportionally, but when they’re struck, split-second decisions can determine survival.”
What Comes Next
As the investigation continues, both the family of Brandon Lewis and the Peoria Police Department are expected to release further statements. Memorials have begun appearing near the intersection where Lewis died, with candles and flowers placed by community members.
City leaders have promised public forums in the coming days to address community concerns and to discuss how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
