Man Who Caused Joliet Police Standoff Was Angry At House Cleaners: JPD

JOLIET — Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans, along with at least 50 Joliet police officers, possibly more, were on the scene of Thursday afternoon's standoff with 46-year-old east side resident Erik Aviles, who, ultimately, raised both of his hands high into the air and came out of the house on Irving Street, surrendering peacefully.

Joliet Patch saw the Joliet police force put Aviles into the backseat of a squad car and drive off, as the SWAT team remained behind, making sure there were not any explosives, loaded guns or other criminal suspects hiding somewhere in the house.

On Thursday night, Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English issued a press release explaining the events leading to the arrest of the 46-year-old Aviles. English also serves as assistant commander of Joliet PD's Crisis Negotiator Team.

Aviles is now being kept in the Will County Jail on charges of aggravated unlawful restraining and two counts of aggravated assault.

English noted that:

At 12:43 p.m., the officers responded to the 500 block of Irving Street for a report of a disturbance involving a handgun. The officers made contact with an adult man and female who reported being threatened with a handgun by the homeowner, later identified as Aviles, during a house cleaning appointment.

Aviles had hired the cleaning service through an online platform, and the workers arrived at his home at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Near the end of the appointment, Aviles reportedly became angry and accused the male and female of stealing. At this point, it is believed Aviles retrieved a handgun from a nearby couch and pointed it at the male victim.

When the male and female tried to leave, Aviles allegedly grabbed the female by her jacket and used his arm to press her against the door, preventing her escape. He is further accused of holding the handgun to her head and body before ordering her to leave the house.

Both victims eventually fled the home safely.

Officers established a perimeter around the residence, and the Joliet Police Special Operations Squad and Crisis Negotiator Team responded to the scene. A shelter in place order was issued for area residents at this time. Officers issued a public address announcement instructing Aviles to exit the residence, after which he emerged from the front door and was taken into custody without further incident.

Following the arrest, detectives discovered that the handgun used by Aviles during the incident was a replica toy. No evidence was found to substantiate Aviles’ claim of theft.