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🌱 Patch AM: Man Jumped Out Bel-Air Motel Bathroom Window To Elude Joliet Police Before Capture: Cops

Make time for Multi-family Garage Sale Friday and Saturday, September 11th and 12th, 9-3. on the Joliet Patch calendar

Wednesday September 9th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

What's up Joliet! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Joliet police detail two-month chase ending at Fenton's Motel
  • Joliet Central cadets create powerful 9-11 flag memorial
  • Appeals court largely clears ex-Joliet officer in fatal I-55 crash

Also on today's calendar: Multi-family Garage Sale Friday and Saturday, September 11th and 12th, 9-3. and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar wear blue gloves? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 81 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Thursday: Clouds giving way to some sun, temps: high: 80, low: 56.
  • Friday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 82 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man Jumped Out Bel-Air Motel Bathroom Window To Elude Joliet Police Before Capture: Cops (patch.com) — Joliet readers are learning more about how police spent two months tracking a local man tied to a stolen Kia and multiple reckless driving incidents around West Jefferson Street, Larkin Avenue, and nearby motels. Officers say he twice escaped, including once by jumping from a Bel-Air Motel bathroom window, before finally being arrested at Fenton's Motel and released on a notice to appear in court.
   

2. Joliet Central JROTC Cadets Place 2,977 Flags in Remembrance of Sept. 11 (patch.com) — Joliet Central High School JROTC cadets are placing 2,977 American flags in front of the school to honor each life lost on Sept. 11 and to keep that history alive for a new generation. The project, led by retired Army Lt. Col. Jodi Krippel, emphasizes remembrance of first responders, military service members, and the enduring lessons of courage and unity for the Joliet community.
   

3. $13.8 Million Award From Erin Zilka's Fatal Crash On I-55: Zilka Only 1 Percent Responsible, Judges Agree (patch.com) — Joliet readers learn that an Illinois appeals court has upheld a $13.8 million wrongful death judgment from the 2020 I-55 crash involving former Joliet police officer Erin Zilka, finding her only 1 percent at fault and placing 99 percent of the blame on MK Deliveries and its driver. The ruling details the dark, hazardous crash conditions, the truck driver's failure to deploy safety triangles, and why evidence about the victim's possible divorce was excluded, while also revisiting Zilka's 2023 acquittal on aggravated DUI charges.
   

4. Law Firm Made Hundreds Of Thousands Defending Joliet, Prolonging Nicole Lurry's Out Of Court Settlement (patch.com) — Joliet residents are seeing how an out-of-town law firm collected more than $400,000 in fees and expenses while defending the city in the high-profile federal lawsuit over Eric Lurry's 2020 in-custody death. The report breaks down the firm's billing, explains how missing and disabled police video complicated the case, and notes that the city ultimately agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement after years of litigation and critical state findings on Joliet policing.
   

5. 8th Floor Shooter On Western Avenue Captured By Joliet Police, This Is What Led To His Arrest: English (patch.com) — Joliet police have arrested 35-year-old Antonio Sims after a non-fatal shooting at an apartment building on Western Avenue left a 53-year-old man critically injured but stable. Officers and Joliet Fire Department paramedics responded quickly, recovered a stolen handgun and suspected cocaine, and prosecutors have approved multiple felony weapons and drug charges as the investigation continues.
   

📸 Around Joliet

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • multi family garage sales
    1010 western Ave. Joliet September 10th,11th, 12th.   1012 Western Ave. Joliet. September 11th, 12th. Many wonderful items. Household items,... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Flotsam River Circus drops anchor at McKinley Woods for free performance —Forest Preserve District of Will County Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Mark S. Littlejohn —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Lisa N. Lopez —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Obituary: Michael K. St. Germain —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Obituary: John Sheridan, Sr. —Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Read on Patch
  • Anyone missing a sweet cat?
    Always trying to get in the house… so he must be a domestic. He is very chill and friendly (Nextdoor Reedwood)
  • Looking for a reasonable & trustworthy mechanic to look at my daughter's car.
    It's a 2021 Kia Sportage . According to Kia, this make & model burns oil and they are impossible to deal with. Thank you in advance. No wise cracks… (Nextdoor S Briggs/Mills Rd)
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Crew Member in Joliet. Apply here.
  • Outback Steakhouse posted a job opening for Dishwasher in Joliet. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Joliet here.

Ok Joliet! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he wouldn't get caught red handed. (Thank you Vicki B. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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