UPDATE: Joliet Police Investigating Shootings
As this investigation continues, it has since been determined that occupants from both involved vehicles are believed to have fired upon each other while in the 300 block of Republic Avenue.
Additionally, it was discovered that an unoccupied building at 316 Republic Avenue may also have been struck by gunfire during this shooting. One of the
involved vehicles was believed to have been a Ford Edge.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., Officers located the Ford Edge in the 1200 block of Galway Road.
The vehicle was unoccupied; however, information was developed that the vehicle had been previously driven by a male and it was believed that this male may possibly be armed and in the immediate vicinity. Officers established a perimeter of the area. A reverse 911 call was sent to local residents to shelter in place, and nearby schools were also notified.
Following an extensive search utilizing K9s and drones, Officers located the male hiding in a garbage can in the 1300 block of Ryehill Drive. The unarmed male was detained and transported to the Joliet Police Department. Following questioning, the male was released without charge, pending further
investigation of this shooting.
This investigation remains very active and continues to develop at this hour. Anyone with information or video footage related to this shooting, is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at 815-724-3020.
They can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org if they wish to remain anonymous.
On March 14, 2024, at 11:40 a.m., Officers responded to the 300 block of Republic Avenue for a report of shots fired. Following a preliminary investigation of this shooting by responding Officers, it is believed that a dark-colored sport utility vehicle was northbound in the 200-300 block of Republic Avenue, following a dark-colored sedan-type vehicle.
It has been determined that an occupant of the sport utility vehicle fired numerous gunshots at the sedan. It is believed both vehicles fled the area at this time. Officers discovered that an uninvolved unoccupied vehicle at 308 Republic Avenue, as well as structures at 308 and 321 Republic Avenue, were struck by gunfire. The buildings were occupied at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported. It is believed that at least 20 gunshots were fired during the incident.
On March 14, 2024, at 11:40 a.m., Officers responded to the 300 block of Republic Avenue for a report of shots fired.
Following a preliminary investigation of this shooting by responding Officers, it is believed that a dark-colored sport utility vehicle was northbound in the 200-300 block of Republic Avenue, following a dark-colored sedan-type vehicle. It has been determined that an occupant of the sport utility vehicle fired numerous gunshots at the sedan. It is believed both vehicles fled the area at this time.
Officers discovered that an unoccupied vehicle at 308 Republic Avenue, as well as structures at 308 and 321 Republic Avenue, were struck by gunfire. The buildings were occupied at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported. It is believed that at least 20 gunshots were fired during the incident.
Joliet West High School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School were placed on a brief lockdown for approximately 30 minutes while this investigation progressed.
This is an active and evolving investigation in its early stages as Joliet Police Detectives work to identify a suspect or suspects. If anyone has information or video footage related to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at 815-724-3020.
They can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org if they wish to remain anonymous.