More Violence Outside Eden's Bar, Woman Hurt In Parking Lot

JOLIET, IL — Eden's Bar and Grill, a Joliet drinking establishment in the 900 block of Gardner Street that has had incidents involving multiple people being shot and also run over with vehicles in the parking lot, had another attack early Thursday morning, resulting in the arrest of 30-year-old Rodney Williams.

Joliet police say Williams, who lives in the 600 block of Marion Street, was hauled away in handcuffs and booked into Will County's Jail on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, two counts of battery, obstructing a police officer and he also had one outstanding Will County arrest warrant.

The latest violence outside Eden's happened around 1:05 a.m. Thursday. The woman who was the victim had been arguing with a man in the parking lot and that's when Williams approached her and started punching her, Joliet police reports show.

The woman fell to the ground in the parking lot and Williams continued to beat her up, the Joliet police reports reflect. When another woman tried to intervene, Williams shoved her away, police spokesman Dwayne English indicated.

Williams ran away once the Joliet police cars arrived, authorities said.

"Information gathered at the scene determined that Williams may be armed with a handgun," English stated. "Officers checking the area located Williams in the 900 block of Gardner Street and placed him into custody."

Williams held an active Will County warrant for failing to appear in court. Following a K9 search of the area where Williams was hiding, Joliet police recovered a 9 mm handgun, English revealed.

During processing at the Joliet police station, Williams requested medical attention for a laceration on his finger. Williams was given an ambulance ride by the Joliet Fire Department and taken to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center to treat his finger injury, police reports show.

Upon his release from the hospital, Williams was transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility around 6:15 a.m. Thursday. Bail for Williams was set at $50,000.

Joliet Patch has produced numerous articles about the violent crimes involving people who were patronizing Eden's Bar during the past five years. Here's a sampling:

Eden's Hit-And-Run Driver Injures 2 Women After Fight: Police

After Shooting 3 Outside Eden's Bar, Gadson Draws Prison Term

Eden Bar & Grill Sued By Woman Run Over In Parking Lot

Captured: Gadson Faces Charges For 3 Attempted Murders