Joseph Blakemore (39, Joliet) was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by Felon and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
On October 5, 2025, at 1:28 p.m., Officers responded to the 200 block of North Hickory Street for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Officers discovered a 44-year-old male who had sustained a gunshot wound to the groin. There was no evidence of a stabbing. He was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department. The injury was believed to be non-life threatening.
Officers learned that an altercation and gunfire were overheard outside of an apartment building.
Following the gunfire, it is believed a male carrying a firearm ran into the building.
Officers established a perimeter around the building and a shelter in place order was issued for the immediate area. Officers issued commands for the occupants to exit, and several individuals exited the apartment building, including Blakemore, who was believed to be the male with the handgun.
Blakemore was detained and transported to the Joliet Police Department for questioning.
Another man who exited the building, identified as Joshua Winters (28, Joliet), was placed into custody without incident for an unrelated Will county arrest warrant for failing to appear on previous weapons charges.
Preliminary information indicates that a physical altercation took place between Blakemore and the victim, and Blakemore’s handgun discharged during the altercation. Detectives and Officers obtained consent to search the building, and a loaded handgun was recovered in one of the apartments. The handgun was determined to be previously reported stolen.
While at the Joliet Police Department, Blakemore complained of a preexisting medical condition, and he was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department. After release from the hospital, Blackmore was processed at the Joliet Police Department and transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.
This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident are encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Unit at 815-724-3020. They can also contact Will County Crimestoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at
https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/if they wish to remain anonymous.