Joliet Man Threatens To Kill Victim During Argument: JPD

JOLIET, IL — A 26-year-old Joliet man remains in the Will County Jail after police say he pulled out a gun and threatened to kill a 35-year-old man during an argument over the weekend. Joliet police arrested Artemio Mata on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

Around 12:40 a.m. Saturday, squad cars responded to a 911 hangup that came from a house in the 400 block of Market Street, which is where Mata lives. According to Joliet police, Mata and the 35-year-old got into an argument and Mata pulled out a gun and threatened to kill the victim.

Next, Mata used the gun to smack the man in the face, police said. The victim suffered minor injuries, but did not need hospitalization, police reports show.

Mata ran away from the house before the police cars arrived, but Mata was later arrested after officers saw him return to the 400 block of Market Street, reports show. A replica gun/airsoft pistol was recovered as evidence at the crime scene, according to Joliet police.

A Will County judge set bail at $30,000 for Mata. As of Tuesday afternoon, he remained in the Will County Jail unable to post the necessary 10 percent to secure his release, jail logs indicate.