Suspicious Powder In Joliet's Police Station Leads To Arrest

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police announced that 44-year-old homeless resident Demarkus Bailey was arrested Thursday in connection with the suspicious powder that was spread inside the lobby area of the Joliet police station. Wednesday night's incident prompted authorities to close off the streets near the police station as the Joliet Fire Department's hazardous materials team responded to the downtown station on Washington Street.

Around 7:50 p.m., Joliet police employees discovered an unidentified white powdery substance near the front lobby area of the building, according to police.

The Joliet Fire Department responded to the police station, and the front lobby area of the Joliet Police Department was evacuated and closed off to the public.

According to police spokesman Dwayne English, the substance was treated as a hazardous material until being successfully identified as a harmless dietary supplement powder by the Joliet Fire Department. No one was injured during the incident.

"Detectives investigating this incident identified Bailey as the suspect after surveillance video depicted Bailey spreading the powder throughout the front lobby and elevator area of the Joliet Police Department," Joliet police announced Thursday. "Bailey returned to the Joliet Police Department on today’s date where he was placed into custody without incident."