Over 20 Bullets On Republic Ave. 2 Joliet Buildings Struck: JPD

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department announced that one of the city's criminals fired off more than 20 bullets during broad daylight Thursday. The late morning shooting happened several blocks away from the Joliet West High School campus and the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School building along Glenwood Avenue.

As of 4 p.m., Joliet police were still trying to track down the gunman.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English:

At 11:40 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Republic Avenue for shots fired.

A dark-colored sport utility vehicle was northbound in the 200 to 300 block of Republic Avenue, following a dark-colored sedan vehicle, according to JPD.

"It has been determined that an occupant of the sport utility vehicle fired numerous gunshots at the sedan," English announced.

Both vehicles fled the area, and officers discovered that an unoccupied vehicle at 308 Republic Avenue as well as structures at 308 and 321 Republic Avenue were struck by the gunfire.

The buildings were occupied at the time of the shooting, but no injuries were reported.

"It is believed that at least 20 gunshots were fired during the incident," English pointed out.

Joliet West High School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School were placed on a lockdown for approximately 30 minutes.

If anyone has information or video footage related to this incident, English said they are 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 at https://crimestoppersofwillcou... if they wish to remain anonymous.