3 Joliet Criminals Arrested, 1 Runs Off, 4 Loaded Guns Seized: Police

JOLIET — Five days ago, the Joliet Police Department made three arrests at the same time, recovering four loaded guns in the process, the agency noted. The license plate on the Chrysler 300 was for a different vehicle. Officers checked the Vehicle Identification Number and found the Chrysler was reported stolen out of Chicago.

The Joliet Tactical Officers recovered two Glock handguns, a Ruger handgun and an AR style rifle. All were loaded with ammunition, the agency noted.

On June 7, 26-year-old Henry Thornton of Joliet was taken to the Will County Jail on charges of armed habitual criminal, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of cannabis more than 30 grams but less than 100 grams, obstructing a police officer, resisting a police officer and driving while license is suspended.

As for Thornton's acquaintance, 24-year-old Janari McClellan of Joliet was also taken to the Will County Jail on charges of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated assault, obstructing a police officer and resisting a police officer.

And there was a 16-year-old boy with them, too. He was arrested and taken to the River Valley Justice Center on the charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

According to Joliet Police Investigations Sgt. Tizoc Landeros:

At 7:45 a.m., Joliet tactical officers were patrolling the area of Cass Street and Henderson Avenue and saw a black Chrysler 300 with equipment violations.

They watched the Chrysler park at a nearby gas station, and they recognized Thornton, who was previously involved in a fleeing and eluding case from the same officers.

Thornton was approached in the gas station to prevent him from fleeing a second time. He resisted the officers but was eventually taken into custody. Thornton was found to possess a bag of cannabis.

Other officers approached the Chrysler 300 and saw McClellan in the front passenger seat holding a handgun. McClelland complied with their commands to drop the handgun. McClellan exited the vehicle and tried to run, but McClellan was apprehended shortly after.

The rear seat passenger, the 16-year-old boy, exited the vehicle holding a handgun. He complied with the officers’ command to drop the handgun and was taken into custody.

A fourth person ran from the Chrysler 300 and is still at large.