Man Threw Bricks At Cars, Then Fought Joliet Police: Cops

JOLIET, IL - A 27-year-old resident of Joliet's east side was hauled off in handcuffs by Joliet Police officers on Wednesday night after police say he was throwing bricks into the street at passing cars and shouting profane language. Around 7:40 p.m., the police arrested Marco Ruiz-Zelaya on charges of aggravated battery to a police officer, obstructing justice, aggravated assault, obstructing a police officer and disorderly conduct.

According to Joliet Police reports, this is how the incident unfolded that led to the arrest of the defendant, who lives in the 500 block of Columbia Street:

First, officers were called to the 200 block of East Clinton Street regarding someone "throwing bricks into the street at passing vehicles. Upon arrival, officers observed approximately 8-10 broken limestone bricks in the middle of Eastern Avenue at Clinton Street," reports show.

The police officers got some help in tracking down the offender.

"Several witnesses were pointing towards Zelaya and a small child walking near the intersection of Cass Street and Eastern Avenue. Witnesses advised that the suspect had thrown the bricks in the street while profanities," reports indicate.

Zelaya was with his 2-year-old son, but tensions escalated when the defendant was questioned by the Joliet officers.

"Officers asked Zelaya why he was throwing bricks into the street and Zelaya replied with profanities toward the officers and attempted to punch one of the officers," reports reflect.

One officer tried to pick up the defendant's son to keep the little boy out of harm's way but "Zelaya attempted to fight with officers," prior to being handcuffed and taken to the downtown station, police said.

"Once at the station, Zelaya began spitting towards the officers. Zelaya also refused to comply with any fingerprinting or photographing procedures," Joliet Police said.

Mugshot of Marco Ruiz-Zelaya via Will County Sheriff