Armed Habitual Criminal In Joliet Tosses Stolen Gun Away: Police

JOLIET, IL — A 24-year-old Joliet man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after officers say he ran from a car and threw his stolen gun over a fence upon seeing the Joliet police. Officers captured Kevon Washington in the area of Broadway and Bluff Streets. He has been charged with three counts of being an armed habitual criminal, armed violence, possession of a stolen gun and three counts of delivery of a controlled substance.'

In addition, Washington is also charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, plus he faces an Illinois Department of Corrections parole violation warrant.

Around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Joliet officers recognized Washington riding as a passenger in a car near North Broadway and West Marion Streets. Knowing that Washington was wanted in connection with a Joliet police drug investigation, Washington ran from the car while holding his gun, police said.

"Officers in pursuit of Washington observed him throw the firearm over a nearby fence," police reports show. "Washington was taken into custody without incident near Bluff Street and West Marion Street."

Joliet police say they recovered the gun Washington tossed over the fence and the weapon was stolen.

Washington is now lodged in the Will County Jail. Jail records indicate that Washington had been living in the 200 block of South Center Street.