Sex Offender Arrested At Fairview Public Housing

JOLIET, IL - The Joliet Police Department has arrested a 25-year-old sexual offender who they say tried to hide from them at the Fairview Public Housing complex. The arrest of DePaul Collins, who lives in the 100 block of Akin Avenue, occurred around 7 p.m. Tuesday. He was charged with failure to register as a sex offender, criminal trespass to state supported property, obstructing a police officer and possessing drug equipment.

According to Joliet Police, officers on patrol saw four men loitering in the center basketball courts over by Englewood and Robin, which is part of the public housing projects.

"Officers approached the group on foot to make contact with them since they were on Housing Authority Property. As the officers approached, Collins began running from the officers," police reports show.

Police say that Collins ran into an apartment in the 1500 block of Fairmont Avenue. Then, there were loud screams.

"Officers heard a female screaming from inside the residence, what sounded like a struggle and the female telling someone to get out of her house," police reports state.

Once the officers got there, the woman opened the door for the police.

"Officers observed Collins run up the stairs in the residence, and after multiple commands from the officers, Collins was taken into custody. A search of Collins was conducted and officers found drug paraphernalia in his pants pocket," police reports state.

The police then realized that Collins was a convicted sexual offender who was not in compliance with his registration requirements, reports show.

His bail has been set at $100,000, and he remained in the county jail on Thursday.

Mugshot of DePaul Collins via Will County Sheriff