Bullet Fired During Armed Robbery Off Houbolt: JPD

JOLIET — The Joliet Police Department said that it has determined that there are no more criminal suspects roaming the neighborhoods near Houbolt Road. There were only two suspects, not three, and both have been captured, according to police.

"Both males that are currently in custody are 17 years old," Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said.

According to English, a 17-year-old is now at the nearby River Valley Justice Center on charges of armed robbery and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Another 17-year-old boy was arrested and went to River Valley for charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

At 10:55 a.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Silver Leaf Drive for a robbery. A man had approached two 17-year-old girls sitting in a Pontiac Grand Am parked in the 500 block of Silver Leaf Drive. The criminal approached the passenger side and put his handgun against the passenger’s neck while demanding her purse, police said.

Moments later, English said, the armed robber grabbed the vehicle’s keys from the driver as a struggle ensued between the driver and the robber.

During this struggle over the car keys, the robber fired one round from the handgun, striking the driver’s side door of the vehicle, according to police. Both teenage girls chased after the suspect as he ran eastbound through the neighborhood and was last seen near a residence in the 500 block of Silver Falls Street.

The shelter in place was issued for the surrounding area, and nearby Troy Heritage School was notified. The shelter in place was later lifted following the search of the residence. No injuries were reported.

"As this investigation progressed, information was developed that indicated the involvement of additional suspects," English revealed.

By 3 p.m., two suspects were captured and in custody, with charges pending.