Deadly Pedestrian Hit And Run: Joliet Police Arrest 2 People

JOLIET — More than three months after a 62-year-old Joliet man lost his life crossing the street near the entrance to Joliet's downtown area, Joliet police announced they have solved the crime arresting 40-year-old James Deal of Joliet and 36-year-old Dominique Kennedy of Aurora.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said was arrested and released on a notice to appear in court for failure to report a vehicle crash involving personal injury or death. His second charge is failure to stop after having a vehicle crash involving personal injury or death.

As for the Aurora woman, she was arrested and released on a charge of making a false police report of a vehicle theft, obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct.

According to English's press release, following an extensive investigation, Joliet detectives identified Deal as the driver of a Chevrolet Malibu that struck and killed 62-year-old Joliet resident Robert Redmond during the evening hours of Dec. 14, 2024, at Fourth Avenue and South Chicago Street.

Police say Deal did not stop after the crash, or report it.

Police say they believe that Kennedy falsely reported the Chevrolet Malibu stolen following the crash. This vehicle was found by Will County Sheriff's deputies on Dec. 15, a day after the crash.

Last week, Joliet's detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Deal and Kennedy. Kennedy was taken into custody shortly after noon on Monday, at her residence in Aurora. Deal was taken into custody at 4:34 p.m. on Monday, after turning himself in at the Joliet Police Department West Station.

Both people were processed and released on a notice to appear, Joliet police noted.