1 Arrested After Shots Fired Near Central, Reports Of Teens In Masks

JOLIET ? The Joliet Police Department announced the arrest of 18-year-old Elijah Smith following Tuesday afternoon's shooting on the east side, a shooting that prompted a lockdown at the nearby Joliet Central High School campus.

Smith didn't go to the Will County Jail following the arrest. Instead, he received his notice to appear at the Will County Courthouse on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and obstructing a peace officer.

According to the Joliet police press release from spokesman Dwayne English, the following events unfolded at 2:34 p.m. on the east side:

Officers responded to the area of Benton Street and Youngs Avenue for a report of suspicious people wearing masks who were possibly armed with guns.

As the officers converged on the area, they saw four males who began to run while holding their waistbands upon seeing the officers. A 17-year-old in this group was immediately detained. The remaining three suspects continued to run in the 500 block of Benton Street.

During the foot chase, the officers overheard what appeared to be a gunshot coming from nearby in the 500 block of Dover Street. Officers then caught up to and detained an additional 17-year-old as well as Smith, who was last seen in the 500 block of Dover Street.

Officers were unable to locate the fourth suspect. Following a search of the area, the officer's recovered two loaded handguns and a loaded rifle.

One of the handguns was equipped with an automatic switch. It is believed one of the firearms discharged when it was discarded during the incident. No injuries were reported.

Following questioning at the Joliet Police Department, the two 17-year-old males were released to a parent without charges pending further investigation. Nearby schools, including Joliet Central High School were notified to enact precautionary safety measures during of the investigation of this incident. This case remains under active investigation.