Crash Results in Critical Injuries
On January 12, 2025, at 2:56 a.m., Officers responded to the area of North Chicago Street and Benton Street for a report of a traffic collision with injuries.
A preliminary investigation of the crash determined the following: A Chevrolet Aveo driven by a male (34, Joliet) and a Saturn Aura with an unidentified driver were both southbound on North Chicago Street approaching Benton Street. It is believed that the Saturn collided into the rear of the Chevrolet, causing the Chevrolet to roll over near the southwest corner of the intersection.
The driver of the Saturn exited the vehicle and ran, leaving the unoccupied vehicle at the crash scene. The driver of the Chevrolet sustained minor injuries and declined transportation to the hospital. A male (43, Joliet) passenger of the Chevrolet was extricated from the vehicle by the Joliet Fire Department and transported to St Joseph Medical Center in critical, but stable condition. The injured passenger was later transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for further medical treatment.
The driver of the Saturn has not been located at this time. Officers learned that the individuals involved in this crash may have been involved in an earlier altercation at Los Gavenos bar (1101 North Hickory Street), however this remains under investigation.
The roadway was closed as traffic investigators reconstructed the crash scene. This crash remains under active investigation. Anyone with video footage or information regarding this crash investigation is urged to contact the Joliet Police Department Traffic Unit at (815)724-3193.