Double Trouble: Joliet Arrests 2 DeWitts Twice On Same Night

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police officers arrested 32-year-old James DeWitt and his 34-year-old brother Phillip DeWitt on disorderly conduct charges at 8:03 p.m. An hour later, Joliet police arrested the two brothers yet again.

Here's how the events went down, according to Joliet police reports:

First, Joliet responded to a disturbance in the St. Patrick's Neighborhood Area at Blackman Avenue and West Marion Street.

"James DeWitt and Philip DeWitt, brothers, were intoxicated and involved in a loud disturbance with each other in the middle of the street," Joliet police said. "When officers attempted to speak to them, both were uncooperative and continued to shout derogatory expletives towards responding officers and residents in the area."

The DeWitts were hauled away in the back of the squad cars and brought to the downtown police station. The offenses were misdemeanors so the DeWitts were released on an I-bond, rather than ending up at the Will County Jail.

At 9:05 p.m., police did not have to go far to arrest Phillip DeWitt and James DeWitt for a second time. This time, it happened right in front of the police station.

"Officers determined that James DeWitt and his brother Phillip DeWitt were both in front of the Joliet Police Department causing a disturbance. Both individuals had just been released on an I-Bond from an earlier arrest and were angry and shouting about being arrested," Joliet police reports reflect.

"Phillip and James DeWitt continued to shout derogatory comments toward officers and refused to leave the area. While officers were on scene, Phillip DeWitt approached an officer as if he was about to strike the officer," reports show.

According to police, during the arrest of Phillip DeWitt, James DeWitt repeatedly attempted to interfere in the arrest of his brother. James DeWitt was then taken into custody after a short struggle. Phillip DeWitt was taken into custody without any further incident, police indicated.

Phillip DeWitt ended up at the Will County's Jail on aggravated assault charges.

James DeWitt was also arrested on charges of obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. He, however, got released on another I-bond.