2 Gunrunners From Wilmington Captured By Joliet Police: English

JOLIET — The Joliet Police Department worked with several area police agencies to nab a pair of Wilmington men who are accused of running guns, according to police spokesman Dwayne English.

Following a raid on Monday, 35-year-old Robert Delacruz and his friend and fellow Wilmington resident Aaron David, 37, were booked into their new cells at the Will County Jail where they're charged with gunrunning, three counts of unlawful sale of guns, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

English said that the pair of arrests had been brewing for several months.

Following an intensive narcotics investigation that took place during the first six months of 2024, Delacruz and David were identified as suspects in the unlawful sale of multiple guns, English explained.

Delacruz and David unlawfully sold guns to people in exchange for cash and narcotics during this time, he said.

On Monday, members of the narcotics, tactical, and K9 unit from the Joliet Police Department as well as members from the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilmington Police Department raided the pair of homes of both Delacruz and David.

Following a search of Delacruz’s residence in the 400 block of Fulton Street in Wilmington, Officers recovered a handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Upon search of David’s residence located in the 23000 block of Coal City Road in Wilmington, officers recovered six rifles, seven handguns and ammunition.

Prior to the search warrants, Delacruz and David were seen inside a vehicle near the 200 block of East Mississippi Avenue in Elwood, according to English. A traffic stop was conducted and officers recovered fentanyl from the vehicle. Delacruz and David were placed into custody without incident at this time. Both were processed at the Joliet Police Department and taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

"The Joliet Police Department wishes to thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance in this case," English said.