Joliet Police Department declared an unlawful assembly shortly after 8 pm tonight near the intersection of Larkin Avenue and West Jefferson Street. Police later turned to social media advising residents to stay away from the area.
Shortly afterwards, Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk updated the community on the situation, reporting an officer had been struck in the head with a rock by the crowd of people.
Less than an hour later, Joliet Police reported the Louis Joliet Mall had become a hotspot of activity for the group, who had been suspected of relocating to the area.
“The Joliet Police Department is asking the community to stay away from the Louis Joliet Mall area due to police activity in the area,” the department announced on Facebook.
Police gathered in SWAT gear and surrounded the mall property. Police later called in tow trucks to remove protesters vehicles from a local parking lot if they did not clear the area near the Mall.
The group later attempted break-ins at Marshall’s and Ross, leading to arrests by the Joliet Police Department. Just before 10 pm, three more individuals were arrested attempting to break into Walgreens at Ingalls and Larkin.
5/31/20 @ 10:25pm //
— Joliet Police Department (@JolietPolice) June 1, 2020
@JolietPolice is requesting that the community avoid unnecessary driving/travel and to stay at home at this time.There are small groups involved in civil unrest throughout the city.
