Peoria, IL – Peoria police arrested a 44-year-old man on multiple charges after seizing two handguns, illegal drugs and U.S. currency during a search of a residence as part of an ongoing investigation into the unlawful sale of controlled substances.
The Peoria Police Department said officers executed a search warrant on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at a residence in the 400 block of E. Thrush Avenue.
Before entering the residence, officers located the suspect, identified as Darnell D. Payton, a short distance away and took him into custody without incident.
During the subsequent search of the residence, officers recovered two handguns, illegal drugs and cash, according to police.
Payton was transported to the Peoria Police Department for questioning and subsequently arrested on suspicion of armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
He was then transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Police said the investigation into the suspected unlawful sale of controlled substances remains ongoing. Anyone with information about violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521, submit an anonymous tip through tip411 or contact Crime Stoppers at 309-673-9000.
Payton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
