Joliet Police Shoot At Suspect With Gun On East Side, Teen Arrested

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English issued a news release late Wednesday night announcing that a Joliet police officer fired their gun in the direction of a suspect who was initially spotted behind a gas station on the city's east side.

As a result of the incident, a 17-year-old boy was arrested and taken to the River Valley Justice Center on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of ammunition, having no FOID and obstructing a peace officer.

The incident happened right after 8 p.m. in the 700 block of Joliet's East Cass Street, an area prone to criminal activity, including homicide.

English said there were two people standing behind the Shell gas station and one of them ran away when the Joliet police officers approached them.

"Officers ran after the suspect and then observed that he was holding a handgun," English announced. "The suspect ignored numerous commands from officers to stop and to drop the handgun."

Joliet's officers chased after the suspect to the 600 block of Jerome Street, and that's when the 17-year-old juvenile turned back toward an officer while holding his handgun, English noted.

"The pursuing officer discharged their weapon, missing the suspect. The suspect then dropped their weapon and was taken into custody," English noted.

He said the suspect’s weapon was recovered at the scene.

"There were no injuries related to this incident and there is no further threat to the community," English added.