Tear Gas Standoff Gunman Taken to County Jail, Hit With New Charge: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A Joliet man who fired a gun four times when the cops came to his house to make sure he was all right was locked up in the Will County jail Friday night, police said.

Victor Hicks, 61, was booked into custody about 9 p.m.

Earlier this week, prosecutors filed misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing the police against Hicks. The warrant for his arrest carried a $75,000 bond.

Jail records show Hicks has since been hit with a charge of recklessly discharging a firearm. That charge was yet to be filed in Will County court. According to jail records, Hicks was arrested on that charge without a warrant.

Jail records also show Hicks’ bond has been reduced to $35,000.

Hicks is a retired prison guard. He worked at Stateville Correctional Center.

Relatives of Hicks reportedly called the cops Sunday night after they weren’t able to get hold of him. Officers went to the house but no one answered the door.

Hicks suffers from heart and kidney ailments, police said, and concerned family asked for officers to force their way into the house. Officers reportedly broke a window, unlocked the door and announced their presence. A gunshot then rang out, police said. The officers again identified themselves and a second shot was reportedly fired. The officers then backed off and set up a perimeter.

Two more shots were fired after the cops retreated, police said. The SWAT team and hostage negotiators were called in and police were able to reach Hicks via telephone, but he reportedly would not speak with them.

After obtaining a search warrant, the SWAT team breached the front door and fired tear gas into the house, police said. Hicks then exited the residence and surrendered. He was taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center for an evaluation.

Hicks appeared in court Saturday morning, according to jail records. He was scheduled to appear again Monday afternoon.

Victor Hicks | image via Will County Sheriff's Department