Boy, 16, Shot Near Joliet's Mexican Independence Parade

JOLIET, IL — A 16-year-old boy was shot and wounded Saturday near the 57th Mexican Independence Parade in Joliet. Joliet police said officers responded to Collins Street and Elwood Avenue at 1:58 p.m. after a 16-year-old boy was shot in the calf, suffering a non-life-threatening injury.

Police located surveillance video showing a suspect firing a handgun at the victim, then running east through an alley. The video can be viewed on the Joliet Police Department Facebook page.

Police said the suspect appears to be a white or Hispanic male with a thin build, and was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with white lettering and blue jeans.

"This is an ongoing investigation and is still in its early stages," police said in a press release, adding that investigators are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the suspect in the video. Anyone who recognizes the shooter is asked contact Detective Don McKinney at 815-724-3385 or the Joliet Investigation Unit at 815-724-3020. They can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit a tip online if they wish to remain anonymous.

WJOL reported that the incident that wounded the teen was one of three separate shootings that took place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the celebration surrounding the Mexican Independence Parade.

Spectators gathered along Collins Street, not far from where the shooting occurred, as the parade stepped off at 1 p.m. Saturday. The parade was to be followed with a celebration at 4 p.m. along North Chicago Street for the Fiesta En La Galle Street Festival.