Joliet Officer Slugged In Chest At Downtown Train Station: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 32-year-old homeless resident is now staying inside the Will County Jail after Joliet police say he punched an officer in the abdomen Tuesday night at the downtown Gateway Center. The Gateway Center is Joliet's train depot.

According to police, Shawndell Smith has been charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer. Smith also had an arrest warrant out of Winnebago County for a burglary.

Tuesday night's crime happened around 8:50 p.m. at the Gateway Center, 90 East Jefferson St.

Officers were called to the area by a woman intending to meet with her ex-boyfriend, Smith, "regarding an item of hers that he had previously stolen," police reports show.

"Officers learned that Smith would be arriving on a Metra train. Prior to Smith’s arrival at the train station, officers determined that Smith held an active Winnebago County arrest warrant for burglary," reports show.

When Smith got off the train, Joliet police tried to place Smith him into custody for the warrant.

"Smith began to struggle with officers, and he struck one officer in the abdomen," Joliet police said. "Officers were then able to place Smith into custody without further incident."

None of the Joliet police officers were injured, according to Sgt. Dwayne English.

Will County Jail records listed Smith as being a homeless resident of Crest Hill. He was booked into the county jail around 10:35 p.m.