Informant Leads Police to Joliet Fugitive

JOLIET, IL — A 31-year-old Joliet fugitive was arrested Wednesday after informant information led police to his whereabouts.

Tactical officers had informant information that Jose Avila, of the 1600 block of E. Cass Ave. was hiding out in the 300 block of Pine, according to Joliet Deputy Police Chief Ed Gregory. He had an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant as well as an obstruction of justice warrant.

Tactical officers conducted surveillance of the residence and saw him leaving. When they identified themselves as police officers, Avila took off running, Gregory said, but was arrested in the 300 block of Pine Street.

On him police found a loaded semi-automatic handgun and an additional 44 live rounds.

Avila was charged with being an armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and obstructing a police officer.

photo via the Will County Sheriff's Office