On May 3, 2026, at 1:51 a.m., an officer in the area of Anthony’s Restaurant and Pub (3151 Voyager Lane) heard multiple gunshots coming from the nearby Dollar Tree parking lot at 2900 Colorado Avenue.

Officers immediately responded and located a 31-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported by the Joliet Fire Department to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Will County Coroner Laurie Summers identified the victim as Aaron Lee Vidales Jr., 31, of Joliet. An autopsy was performed on Sunday, May 3. Final cause and manner will be determined following Autopsy, Police and Toxicological reports.

Officers secured the scene and conducted a canvass of the area. Detectives and crime scene investigators responded to continue the investigation. Officers recovered multiple spent shell casings and a handgun in the parking lot.

It was also determined that two unoccupied vehicles and the south side of Rise Dispensary (2903 Colorado Avenue) were struck by gunfire.

This investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the events leading up to the shooting and a possible motive. No one is currently in custody.

Anyone with video footage or information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit a tip online at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.