PEOTONE, IL – A Peotone Township resident found themselves in a heart-pounding standoff early Monday morning, exchanging gunfire with two men over a stolen truck. The dramatic incident has left the Eastern Townships community on edge, raising alarms about a recent surge in vehicle thefts.
According to Will County Sheriff’s Police it happened at 3:50am on Monday in the 28000 block of S. 80th Avenue was shattered by the presence of an unknown dark-colored Silverado parked in a driveway. The resident, quick to respond, engaged in a high-stakes confrontation with the two male suspects near the side of their residence. Gunfire erupted, echoing through the stillness of the pre-dawn hours.
The resident’s actions halted the duo’s attempted getaway as they sped off in a stolen Silverado. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the intense exchange.
Authorities have since revealed that an unoccupied Volkswagen SUV, bearing signs of tampering, was found parked near a barn on the property. Gasoline had been poured inside the vehicle, a chilling indicator of the criminals’ intentions.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the Volkswagen SUV had been stolen from Skokie, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding case. Residents within a two mile radius were asked to shelter in place as deputies searched for the suspects. The stolen truck was later found nearby.
Local authorities believe the culprits know the area well, centering their crimes in the eastern part of Will County. This incident highlights a concerning rise in vehicle thefts across Eastern Townships including Wilton, Peotone, Green Garden, and Monee Townships.
Residents are urged to join the effort against this troubling trend. Law enforcement is asking anyone who noticed anything suspicious or saw individuals acting strangely to come forward and share information. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Will County Sheriff’s Office website (www.willcosheriff.org), Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734, or crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.
