Joliet Dog Killer Arrested By Police: Cops

JOLIET, IL - A 39-year-old Joliet man has been charged with several felony crimes in connection with allegations he fatally shot someone's dog and later pointed his gun at the dead dog's owner last week at a gas station, according to Joliet Police. Now, Kendrick Pruitte is being held at Will County's Jail where he's charged with being an armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon by a street gang member.

Pruitte's arrest occurred late Friday morning in the 700 block of East Cass Street. Joliet Police were called to the area after a man told officers that Pruitte had pointed a gun at him and his passenger at the gas station near Cass Street and Henderson Avenue, reports show.

Officers went to the business and found Pruitte still hanging around the parking lot, reports show. Later, the witnesses confirmed that Pruitte was the person who pointed a gun at them, police said.

Back on October 24, police said, Pruitte went into the backyard of the victims with a dog and then his dog began to fight with the other dog.

"The victim went outside and tried to separate the dogs. Pruitte then reached into his pocket, removed a handgun, shot several times in the air and then pointed the gun at the victim. The victim stated he retreated back inside his residence, and witnessed Pruitte shoot and kill his dog," Joliet Police reports show.

Then, last Friday night, the victim whose dog was killed more than a month earlier spotted Pruitte walking north on Henderson Avenue, the police said.

"He said that Pruitte recognized him, threw his arms up in the air and began shouting. The victim stated Pruitte then stepped from behind a truck with a gun in his hand, and pointed the gun in his direction while taking a shooting stance. The victim stated he fled the area and called 911," reports indicate.

Pruitte's bail has been set at $500,000. He resides in the 800 block of Julia Avenue, jail logs show.

Mugshot of Kendrick Pruitte via Will County Sheriff