Fitness center in Peoria’s Landmark building vandalized, owner believes it was targeted

PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - An athletic training center located inside the now-closed Landmark Recreation Center was vandalized early Sunday morning.

U Fitness Owner Ishmael Hicks said around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, someone broke windows and doors of the building. He said he believes it was a targeted attack and not random.

“This was not an act of robbery or theft,” Hicks said. “This was a targeted attack to damage the building and make a statement.”

Hicks did not explain why he believed the vandalism was targeted.

He did say it is disappointing to see someone damage the property when businesses like his are trying to make the area a thriving, family-friendly place.

Landmark Recreation Center, including Landmark Lanes, closed its doors earlier in September.

“[It’s] the timing of it, espe