Peoria: Man arrested for attempted armed robbery of 5 Star Fish and Chicken

A 45-year-old Peoria man is in custody following an attempted armed robbery at a local fish and chicken restaurant in the Campustown area. The suspect was arrested after detectives located the getaway vehicle four days after the crime.

Knife-Wielding Suspect Targets Main Street Restaurant

The incident took place late in the evening of Monday, May 25, 2026. At approximately 11:22 p.m., Peoria Police officers responded to a call reporting an attempted armed robbery at the 5 Star Fish and Chicken restaurant, situated in the 1200 block of West Main Street. According to employees, an adult male entered the establishment, brandished a knife, and demanded that the staff hand over money from the cash register.

The employee did not comply, and the suspect fled empty-handed. No injuries were reported during the encounter, and the suspect left the area in a vehicle.

Police Investigation, Getaway Vehicle Located, and Arrest

During the subsequent investigation, Peoria Police detectives successfully identified the suspect vehicle. On May 29, officers located the vehicle parked in the 3200 block of Southwest Adams Street. Following further detective work, police identified the suspect as Aaron M. Cook, 45, of Peoria.

Cook was located by officers and taken to the Peoria Police Department for questioning. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the local jail on preliminary charges of attempted armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Cook also faced arrest on several outstanding warrants.

Safety and De-escalation Strategies During Armed Robbery Attempts

Armed robberies at retail and food service establishments present severe risks to employees. Experts recommend that staff follow these safety guidelines to minimize the potential for violence:

• Cooperate fully: Do not argue, make sudden movements, or resist the suspect. Property and cash can always be replaced, but human lives cannot. comply with demands calmly.
• Keep hands visible: Keep hands in plain sight of the robber to avoid giving the impression that you are reaching for a panic button or a weapon.
• Do not pursue the suspect: Never follow a fleeing robber out of the building. Lock the doors immediately after they leave, ensure everyone is safe, and call 911.
• Observe physical details: Try to make mental notes of the suspect's description (height, weight, clothing, accent, unique scars, tattoos) and any vehicle description (make, model, color, license plate) without staring conspicuously.

Sources

This article was compiled using reports and press releases from Peoria law enforcement and local news outlets:

• 25News Now Peoria (WEEK-TV)
• Peoria Police Department Arrest Records