St. Joe's Park Picnic Arrest: Shorewood Woman Faces 2 Charges

JOLIET, IL — For the first time since 2019, Sunday afternoon picnics are back at St. Joe's Park, and on Sunday night, there was a Joliet police presence as a 62-year-old woman from Shorewood was taken away in handcuffs, charged with battery and assault.

Police spokesman Dwayne English said that officers were sent to St. Joe's Park, 700 Theodore St., at 7:44 p.m. for a disturbance.

English said that during an event at the park, Sylvia Churnovic became intoxicated and began yelling at a 14-year-old relative, backing the juvenile into a corner and putting her finger in the juvenile’s face. A short time later, Churnovic began yelling at a 12-year-old girl, eventually grabbing her arm until other park guests intervened, English said.

Officers located Churnovic at the park, and she was placed into custody without incident, he noted.

Joliet police arrest logs indicated that Churnovic was later released on an I-bond.

According to its website, Sunday's picnic marked the St. Joseph Parish Homecoming.