2nd Public Indecency Charge For Man At Empty Church's Chicken

JOLIET, IL — For the second time in late May, Joliet police officers have arrested a 57-year-old Chicago man on public indecency charges. The man has been living outside the vacant Church's Chicken restaurant at Collins and Jackson Streets.

According to Joliet police reports, Herbert Brooks was arrested shortly after 8 a.m. on Sunday on a charge of public indecency and a charge of disorderly conduct. Brooks was released from custody on an I-bond, police said.

At 8:08 a.m., Joliet police responded to "Jackson Street and Collins Street in reference to a report of a male subject urinating on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, officers made contact with Brooks and placed him into custody without incident," Joliet police reports show.

Activists say homeless people often have no access to public restrooms — a situation made worse by the pandemic — and charges such as those against Brooks criminalize behavior homeless people have no choice in.

Some Joliet residents have suggested that there are two gas stations and convenience stores directly across the street from the empty Church's Chicken and their bathrooms are open to the public.

To read Joliet Patch's article about Brooks' May 17 arrest, go here.