Girl, Age 4, And Loaded Gun Found Inside Drug Dealer's Vehicle: Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — Two Joliet residents, Jesse Tucker and Kionni Simmons, were arrested this week by Joliet police after a stolen loaded gun out of Texas, along with illegal drugs and a 4-year-old child, were found inside their vehicle, the Joliet police announced in a press release.

Tucker, 29, is now in the Will County jail charged with armed violence, armed habitual criminal, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a stolen gun, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of cannabis. Tucker also had a Woodridge Police Department arrest warrant and an Illinois Department of Corrections parole violation warrant.

As for his partner, 24-year-old Kionni Simmons, Joliet police say she was arrested and released on a notice to appear on charges of endangering the life or health of a child.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said that at 3:37 p.m. Tuesday, fellow officers spotted Tucker standing near a vehicle in the 1300 block of Chicory Court. Tucker, who had an active arrest warrant for assault from the Woodridge Police Department and an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant, was taken into custody without incident.

A small child seen with Tucker entered the vehicle just prior to the arrest, police said.

Police officers found Kionni Simmons and a 4-year-old girl inside the vehicle. A loaded handgun was on the driver’s side floorboard and recovered after both Simmons and the little girl exited the vehicle, English said.

The gun was later confirmed to be reported stolen out of Texas.

The Joliet police said the search of Tucker revealed cocaine packaged for distribution. A further search of the vehicle uncovered suspected cannabis in the center console, along with MDMA and other pills inside a bag believed to belong to Tucker. Officers noted that Tucker is a convicted felon who does not possess a valid FOID card.

The child was safely released to a family member, English said.

Tucker comes from the 1200 block of Ada, Simmons is from the 400 block of Nicholson Street, the arrest logs show.