Joliet Residents Hide In Homes, Suspect In Garbage Can

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department discovered a man hiding inside a garbage can on Thursday afternoon in connection with the afternoon shootout involving two separate vehicles along Republic Avenue, but the suspect is not being arrested at this time.

"As this investigation continues, it has since been determined that occupants from both involved vehicles are believed to have fired upon each other while in the 300 block of Republic Avenue," Joliet Police Spokesman Dwayne English announced on Thursday night. "Additionally, it was discovered that an unoccupied building at 316 Republic Avenue may also have been struck by gunfire during this shooting. One of the involved vehicles was believed to have been a Ford Edge."

According to English, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Joliet police found the Ford Edge in the 1200 block of Galway Road, which is right off Bronk Road.

The vehicle was unoccupied; however, Joliet police learned the vehicle had been previously driven by a male who might have a gun and remain in the immediate vicinity.

Officers established a perimeter and a reverse 911 call was sent to the residents to shelter in place; nearby schools were also notified.

Following an extensive search using K9s and drones, Joliet police found the male hiding in a garbage can in the 1300 block of Ryehill Drive, according to English. However, he did not have any guns with him when he was taken into custody by the Joliet Police Department.

"Following questioning, the male was released without charge pending further investigation of this shooting," English said. "This investigation remains very active and continues to develop at this hour."

He said that anyone with information or video footage related to this shooting is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at 815-724-3020. They can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online if they wish to remain anonymous.