Boy, 16, Bails From Stolen Car After Hitting I-80 Guardrail: JPD

JOLIET, IL — It was a crime of opportunity. Someone went inside the Western Food store at 308 Western Avenue on Saturday night, only to realize their Chevrolet Equinox was gone when they returned to the parking lot. Joliet police were called to the Western Store parking lot around 10:30 p.m.

"Officers learned that a Chevrolet Equinox had been stolen from the parking lot after being left unattended and running with the key in the ignition, while the driver was in the store," Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said.

He said the vehicle theft was caught on video surveillance, and police saw the stolen vehicle traveling southbound on Center Street from West Jefferson Street.

The stolen vehicle continued southbound on South Center Street and headed eastbound on Interstate 80 as police tried to catch up. The vehicle exited Interstate 80 using the southbound Chicago Street ramp, but then turned northbound and entered the westbound Interstate 80 on-ramp from northbound Chicago Street.

The vehicle came to a halt after striking a guard rail, English noted.

Although the driver tried to run away, officers captured him a short distance away. A loaded .40 caliber handgun was recovered from the stolen vehicle, English noted.

"It was determined that the male juvenile in custody was the same individual seen on surveillance footage stealing the vehicle," English announced.

The boy, 16, is now staying at the River Valley Justice Center where he's charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon, obstructing a peace officer, unlawful possession of ammunition, motor vehicle theft and criminal trespass to a vehicle.