Gun Suspect Rescued After Jumping Into Des Plaines River: Police

JOLIET, IL — A 32-year-old convicted felon from Joliet was rescued over the weekend after Joliet police say he ran from a traffic stop near Jackson and Chicago Streets and jumped into the Des Plaines River.

Joliet police and firefighters managed to rescue the criminal defendant, Corey Copeland, and he is now being charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of marijuana, having no FOID and possession of marijuana by a passenger.

Copeland also had two arrest warrants, including one from Kankakee County for obstructing a peace officer and one from Grundy County for driving while having a suspended license.

The incident that led to Copeland jumping into Joliet's canal happened around 1:10 a.m. Saturday, Joliet police reported. Officers stopped a car near East Jackson and Chicago for a traffic violation and the inside of the car had a strong smell of marijuana, according to police.

"As officers were conducting a search of the vehicle, Copeland fled on foot from the traffic stop." police Sgt. Dwayne English stated. "Officers gave chase and located Copeland near the wall along the Des Plaines River near Joliet Street and Benton Street at which time officers observed him jump into the river."

Copeland was rescued by Joliet police and Joliet firefighters, and he was taken to AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center, English stated.

Back at the scene, Joliet police said they recovered a gun and a backpack containing marijuana inside the car where Copeland had previously been sitting as a passenger.

After spending three days in the Will County Jail, Copeland was released early Tuesday morning. Although Joliet police say Copeland lives in Joliet, his jail records listed a Chicago address.