Panic Alarm At Joliet Used Car Lot After Customer Pulls Gun On 2 Employees: Police

JOLIET, IL — A 35-year-old from Crete was arrested by the Joliet police force in connection with allegations he pulled a gun out of his waistband and pointed it at two of the people who work at a used car dealership on Ruby Street.

According to the arrest report involving Michael Spencer, he was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon. The arrest report listed 409 Ruby St., the Ride AutoHaus, as the location for the arrest.

Joliet police spokesman Tizoc Landeros said that at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Joliet officers responded to a business in the 400 block of Ruby Street for a panic alarm and a report of a person armed with a handgun.

Landeros said the officers located Spencer near the business. Spencer immediately advised officers that he was armed with a handgun and allowed an officer to remove the gun from his waistband. The handgun was recovered and later placed into evidence, Landeros said.

Officers determined that Spencer did in fact have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card and Concealed Carry License.

Landeros indicated that the officers spoke with two male victims who advised that Spencer had come to the business regarding issues with a vehicle he had previously purchased.

During a discussion regarding the vehicle, an argument ensued. The victims alleged that during the argument, Spencer removed a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at both of them, Landeros said.

One of the victims said he feared he was going to be shot, according to police. As for Spencer, Joliet police said he denied the accusations against him and stated that he displayed his gun because he felt threatened and was attempting to protect himself.

Landeros revealed that officers reviewed video surveillance from the business that supported the victims' account of the incident. Spencer was subsequently placed under arrest and brought to the Joliet Police booking area.

While in custody, Spencer complained of chest pain and was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. Spencer was subsequently processed and released on a pre-trial notice to appear, the Joliet police press release pointed out.