CITY OF PEKIN

POLICE DEPARTMENT

News Release
Date: June 1, 2023
Contact: Chief John Dossey
Distribution: All Media Outlets 309-478-5301 Admin
Social Media: Yes, all outlets
For Immediate Release: Yes

House Collapse 311 Caroline

On April 20, 2023 a severe storm rolled through Pekin during the evening hours, during which a
tree fell on a home located at 311 Caroline. City Inspectors responded to this address and
determined that the building was deemed dangerous and uninhabitable as a result. On April 21,
2023 correspondence was sent to the property owner notifying the owner to take immediate
corrective action to repair the damage. Due to the home being deemed dangerous and
uninhabitable the tenant was not allowed to stay in the residence, and was relocated.

On May 31, 2023 the City of Pekin was notified by the owner of 311 Caroline that the roof was
collapsing and the walls of the home were now pushing out.

City officials and Pekin Fire Department responded where they observed the home to be in an
active state of collapse. The home / property was secured for safety and due to the imminent
danger posed to the health and safety of the neighboring properties and the community at large it
was determined that immediate action needed to be taken to demolish the home.

City officials met the property owner and tenant on site the evening of May 31st and informed
them that demolition would occur the following day, June 1, 2023. City officials have been in
constant communication with the property owner since the evening of May 31st.

On June 1, 2023 City officials arrived at 311 Caroline at approximately 7:00 a.m. The tenant
was on scene already and was aware the home would be demolished. City staff worked with the
tenant to retrieve personal items from the home, to the extent such retrieval could be done safely.

The City of Pekin is committed to the safety of our community and we continue to work with the
property owner and tenant to remedy this immediate threat to public safety.

John V. Dossey, Chief of Police

111 S. Capitol Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 * Phone (309) 477-2336 * Fax (309) 346-5328