Man 37, Shot At Downtown Joliet Parking Deck, Casino Aids Victim

JOLIET — There are few shootings that take place in downtown Joliet, but one happened early Monday morning and the gunman made his escape before Joliet police officers responded to the emergency.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, the following events unfolded around 5 a.m. Monday. The shooting did not happen at the Harrah's Casino property, but it was the Harrah's staff who learned about the incident and tried to render aid.

English said that at 5:08 a.m., officers responded to Harrah’s Casino at 151 N. Joliet St. for a man who reported being shot at a different location in downtown Joliet.

Officers found a 37-year-old man with a gunshot wound to each of his legs. The victim was taken to the Ascension St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department, and the victim’s injuries are considered to be non-life threatening.

Officers and detectives later learned that as the victim was near the east entrance of the Ottawa Street parking deck, the suspect approached him from a nearby alley to the south. It is believed that an argument ensued, and the suspect displayed a handgun and fired multiple shots at the victim, striking him twice.

The shooter then fled.

English said the shooting victim then walked westbound through the parking deck toward Harrah’s Casino, where he was discovered by casino personnel.

"This is an active investigation in its early stages. This appears to be a targeted shooting," English declared.

He asked that anyone with video footage or information related to this shooting 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.