Joliet, IL – A 20-year-old Joliet man was taken into custody Monday night after police say officers heard a gunshot while patrolling a residential area on the city’s east side.
According to the Joliet Police Department, officers with the Tactical Unit were patrolling near Rowell Avenue and Second Avenue around 5:24 p.m. Monday when they heard a single gunshot nearby. Moments before the sound, officers reported seeing a male walking in a nearby alley in the 200 block of Rowell Avenue.
As officers began investigating, police say they observed the same male running toward Second Avenue and Arizona Avenue while holding an object in his waistband. Officers pursued the individual and reported seeing him throw a handgun into a yard in the 100 block of Arizona Avenue.
Police say the man was taken into custody following the deployment of a taser. He was later identified as Phillip Hinojosa, 20, of Joliet.
Officers recovered a loaded handgun with an extended magazine from the yard where it was allegedly discarded, according to police. A single spent shell casing was also recovered near the area where officers initially observed Hinojosa prior to the reported gunshot.
Hinojosa was processed at the Joliet Police Department and transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility. He has been charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and obstructing a peace officer.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains based on officer observations and recovered evidence from the scene.
Arrest records are public information. An arrest does not mean the individual has been convicted. All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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