PEKIN, Ill. – An affidavit filed Monday has revealed alleged details of the incident that led to a manhunt last week that ended in Peoria County.
52-year-old Christopher Richerson was arrested near Kickapoo Creek Road by Peoria County deputies early Friday morning on charges of Attempted Murder and Aggravated Battery. Court records show a petition to detain was also filed on Monday.
In the affidavit from reports filed by Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Richerson is alleged to have gone to a home with a knife and a hammer, and entered through an unlocked front door. Richerson allegedly stated he was going to kill the homeowner, a 74-year-old man.
The 74-year-old had used a standing fan to block Richerson after he allegedly charged at the homeowner, but Richerson reportedly was still able to strike the homeowner in the back of the head with a hammer. The homeowner was also struck on the arm.
The homeowner’s 80-year-old wife had searched for a firearm but could not locate it. Richerson also allegedly attempted to enter into the room she was in, but the door was locked, which reportedly led to Richerson striking it with a hammer.
Richerson then allegedly demanded the homeowner’s truck keys or he would harm his wife, and left in the truck when learning the keys were already in the truck.
The wife reportedly stated that the hammer used had a hatchet blade on one side and a hammer head on the other.
The homeowner suffered a skull fracture as well as bruises on his arms and shoulders, and needed stitches in his head.
