Man, 39, Dies In Joliet Police Handcuffs After Gas Station Fall: JPD

JOLIET — The Joliet Police Department issued a press release revealing that a 39-year-old man died after being handcuffed by officers at the Shell gas station on Larkin Avenue early on Christmas Day.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, at 4:25 a.m., officers responded to the Shell gas station at 401 S. Larkin Ave. after a man called 911 reporting someone had pulled a gun on him and was trying to kill him.

The officers found the 39-year-old man inside the Shell store and determined that he was the 911 caller.

As the officers tried to speak to the man, he exhibited erratic behavior and was making irrational statements, English said. He was also sweating profusely and repeatedly claimed that someone was trying to kill him. Based upon his behavior, the officers believed he might have been under the influence of an unknown substance.

According to police, to ensure his safety and the safety of those around him, the officers attempted to detain the man and requested an ambulance for a medical evaluation.

The man continued to yell, act erratically and struggle with the officers, according to police. He was detained in handcuffs after he fell to the ground after pulling away from the officers, English said.

While on the ground, the man appeared to lose consciousness. Officers deployed Narcan, which briefly revived him, English said. Officers also repositioned his body.

Joliet Fire Department paramedics arrived and provided further medical assistance. The man was taken by ambulance to St Joseph Medical Center, where he died, according to police.

Officers found no evidence supporting the male’s claim of another individual with a gun, English said.

During the investigation, the officers found the man’s damaged vehicle near the 200 block of Emery Street; the vehicle had struck a fence at the rear of Pizza for U at 116 South Larkin Avenue, as well as a tree in the 200 block of Emery Street, police said.

The man's identity and manner of death will be determined by the Will County Coroner’s Officer.

The Joliet police officers involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave, in accordance with departmental policy. The Will Grundy Major Crimes Task Force was immediately notified and is investigating this incident, per Illinois statute. Any further updates regarding this investigation will come from the Will Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, English said.