Semi Driver Swings Hammer At Vehicles At Joliet Gas Station: JPD

JOLIET, IL — A semi-truck driver from Lima, Ohio, got arrested by Joliet police on Tuesday morning after officers say Matthew Shope swung a hammer at numerous vehicles parked at the Route 66 Food and Fuel in the 2400 block of South Chicago Street.

Shope was taken away from the busy gas station in handcuffs. Joliet police say the Ohio man now faces charges of disorderly conduct and criminal property damage.

The incident happened around 6:35 a.m.

"Officers learned that Shope had been in the lot of Route 66 Food and Fuel swinging a hammer at vehicles," Joliet police's Dwayne English announced.

Sgt. English said that Shope appeared intoxicated and had struck the rear passenger door of a vehicle as the vehicle passed by him in the lot.

"Other customers subdued Shope and took possession of the hammer while 911 was called," English said.

Joliet police arrested Shope without any problems.

At the Food and Fuel, officers found a semi-truck nearby its door open and determined it to be Shope’s truck.

"Multiple open alcohol containers were observed inside the semi. The semi was towed from the scene," English indicated.

Joliet police later released Shope on an I-Bond, police reports reflect.