Bullet fired during armed robbery outside Houbolt, 2 arrests so far: JPD
JOLIET – After a four-hour manhunt by Joliet police, the suspect in a robbery and shooting that occurred Thursday morning in the College Park housing development on Houbolt Road was not caught.
According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, officers responded to a robbery in the 500 block of Silver Leaf Drive at 10:55 a.m. A man had approached two 17-year-old girls who were sitting in a Pontiac Grand Am parked in the 500 block of Silver Leaf Drive. The suspect approached the passenger side and put his gun to the passenger’s neck while demanding her purse, police said.
A few moments later, according to English, the armed robber snatched the vehicle keys from the driver, after which a struggle broke out between the driver and the robber.
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During this struggle for the car keys, the robber fired one shot from his handgun, hitting the driver’s side door of the vehicle, according to police. Both teens pursued the suspect as he ran east through the neighborhood and was last seen near a residence in the 500 block of Silver Falls Street.
The house was searched by members of the Joliet Police Department’s special unit, but the suspect could not be found.
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At the beginning of the incident, a protective order was placed for the surrounding area and the nearby Troy Heritage School was notified. The protective order was later lifted after the residence was searched. No injuries were reported.
“During the course of this investigation, information came to light that indicated the involvement of additional suspects,” English said.
By 3:00 p.m., two more suspects were arrested and taken into custody. Charges were filed against them.
Detectives and police are still searching for the original suspect, who was identified as a 5’7″ tall, 300 pound black man with dreadlocks and very dark clothing.
“The investigation is ongoing at this time and further details will be released as they become available. Anyone with video footage or information related to this shooting is asked to contact the Joliet Police Department’s Investigations Division at (815)724-3020,” English stressed.
You can also contact Will County Crime Stoppers by phone at 800-323-6734 or online at if you wish to remain anonymous.
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