Joliet, IL|News|
Gas-Station Brawl / Soapy Water Scammer / Fatal Pot Squabble: OMGPD
A roundup of Will County crime stories.

A Patcher Emeritus, Cleveland native and always hopeful yet frequently dismayed Cleveland Browns fan, Dennis likes dogs, and dogs like him. He likes pizza a bit too much, Ernest Hemingway books, and home renovation projects.
Before joining Patch in 2010, Dennis got some ink on his hands in Chicago during stints with Sun-Times Media and Copley Press. He led investigative and public service reporting teams that changed laws, helped people and put a few bad guys in jail.
Dennis was managing editor of the Daily Southtown in suburban Chicago (2004-2009), twice named National Newspaper of the Year for large-circulation dailies by the American Press Institute and Suburban Newspapers of America. The Southtown received a dozen awards for General Excellence, the Chicago Headline Club Watchdog Award, AP Top 10 Sports Section in America honors, Best Commentary Section in Illinois three consecutive years, and dozens of writing, reporting, public service and photojournalism awards.
Dennis was editor-in-chief of Patch for six years (2016-2021), leading the news team through a period of substantial growth and improved local journalism. Patch's local news coverage has been recognized and heralded by professional press associations in New York, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Prior to that, he founded Patch's Chicago Southland region, building it into one of the company's top regions for audience, revenue and engagement.
Today, he's a WordGrinder for hire, focused on entrepreneurial local news projects and media relations.
A roundup of Will County crime stories.

Recent Southland News: Mom attacks in grocery store over baby clothes comment / Daughter accused of setting mom on fire / Emily Beazley 5K.
A roundup of Southland crime stories.
Lt. Gen. Ronald Lewis, who grew up in Beverly, was a top adviser to the Secretary of Defense.
After wedding filled with laughter in Southern Illinois, tears, grief and disbelief as friends witness tragic accident on ride to reception.
Miss a day, miss a lot: Kids confront teacher rapist / Cold-hearted mini-biker / Puppy kept in trunk five hours / Bill Murray's Christmases.
Indiana woman who let husband’s body rot in living room for nine months as she banked his pension and war benefits escapes felony charges.
Will County headlines: Plainfield drive-by shooting / Joliet man needs kidney donor / Makeup man brawls with boyfriend. Plus, live traffic.
Recent DuPage County News: Driver tries to run down cops / Veterans expo on Saturday / Get rid of your junk. Plus, live traffic reports.
Catch up on North Shore headlines: Mancow is your new neighbor / Mariano’s gun protest / Welcome, Oscar Mayer. Plus, live traffic.
Southland News: Beverly roils over racial accusation / Richards HS secret locker-room video / Drunken trick-or-treating. Plus, live traffic.
New York district attorney cites "significant material inconsistencies" and "no corroboration whatsoever" in the DNA results.
Texts released by investigators show that Fox Lake Lt. Gliniewicz was concerned his illegal activity was going to be exposed.
Investigation finds the veteran officer was laundering money through his police Explorer post. His death was a "carefully staged suicide."
Chicago Sun-Times and Fox Chicago report that the 30-year police veteran killed himself. His death on Sept. 1 prompted a massive manhunt.
“She was no longer interested in going forward,” a source told The Buffalo News.
The woman was fired two weeks ago, the university confirms. Student who filed the suit also claims she tried to convert him to Catholicism.
The man threatened one homeowner when he didn't get the same treat as the boy, according to Riverside police.
The Palos Hills man threatened one homeowner when he didn't get the same treat as the boy, according to police.
Kane says he's "looking forward to any type of conclusion" but he's focusing on hockey. Sources say prosecutors now doubt accuser's story.