'We know it's a bomb': Device found at Peoria ethanol plant, one-mile evacuation stays in place

Authorities have found a bomb at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, and it may have been deactivated, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said late Friday night, according to 25News Now (WEEK-TV).

"A device has been identified. We know it's a credible threat. We know it's a bomb," Ali said. She cautioned, "We don't know if there are other devices."

Peoria police first announced a reported bomb threat Friday evening at the plant, the former ADM facility at 1 Edmund Street, and urged anyone who lives or works within a one-mile radius to evacuate immediately. Most streets in the area were closed. The zone covers parts of Peoria and neighboring East Peoria on the other side of the Illinois River.

Shelters are open at Manual Academy, 811 South Griswold Street, in Peoria and at the EastSide Centre in East Peoria. East Peoria officials said late Friday that the evacuation remains in effect and that another update will come no later than 9 a.m. Saturday.

Caterpillar told employees not to report for the third shift, and OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center, downtown Peoria's largest employer, said it is taking "all appropriate precautions." Police have not announced any arrest or motive.