Normal Police Department

A new report on the financial condition of the Town of Normal shows higher fund balances than at this time last year. The increase of close to $3.5 million across all funds comes from increased consumer spending related to growth in the community workforce.

The City of Bloomington recently approved the purchase of an armored security vehicle for use by police and the department's SWAT team. The Town of Normal has a tactical response team too, but the town is not likely to keep up with the Joneses.

The number of people shot in Bloomington-Normal over the last eight days is now four. None of the injuries has been life-threatening.

Three people were injured in a string of shootings Sunday and Monday in Bloomington-Normal, local police departments said.

Overall crime rates in the town of Normal have remained fairly static over the last five years, said Police Chief Stephen Petrilli, though weapons offenses and gun incidents jumped last year. Department reports showed a 79% increase in gun incidents and nearly 60% growth in weapons offenses. There were 52 gun incidents last year and 67 weapons offenses in the town.

A Bloomington man died in an early morning crash Sunday in Normal. Police and the McLean County coroner said Noe R. Mendiola, 22, died from blunt force injuries.

The Town of Normal is using a youth fitness program as both community outreach and crime prevention.

A judge has approved transferring the Taylor Brown case to the State’s Attorney’s Appellate Prosecutor office in Springfield. The McLean County State’s Attorney’s office has recused itself from the case that involves allegations of aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a peace officer, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

When Glenn Elementary students and their families reach Normal’s busy Fell Avenue, crossing guard Gayle Thomas is there to meet them. The retired construction manager, who's a great-grandfather, stands at the ready each weekday.

Police in Normal said a 22-year-old Warren, Michigan man died Friday evening in a multi-vehicle crash on the northwest side of Normal. Officers were called to the I-55/74 overpass on Raab Road ¼ mile West of Parkside Road just before 7 pm.