Shooting between vehicles in Joliet prompts two school lockdowns

JOLIET, Ill. - A shooting between two vehicles in Joliet left behind significant damage and caused two schools to go on lockdown late Thursday morning. 

The incident happened at 11:40 a.m. in the 300 block of Republic Avenue. 

A dark-colored SUV was heading northbound in the area, following a dark-colored sedan, when someone inside pulled a gun and fired several rounds toward the sedan, Joliet police say.

Both vehicles exchanged gunfire before leaving the area. A vehicle and two buildings at 308 and 321 Republic Avenue were struck by the gunfire. 

No one was inside the vehicle or buildings at the time of the shooting and no injuries were reported. 

Police believe there were at least 20 gunshots fired during the incident. 

Joliet West High School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School were placed on lockdown for 30 minutes out of precaution. 

As of around 2:45 p.m., officers found the SUV, a Ford Edge, in the 1200 block of Galway Road. There was no one inside; however, they found evidence that indicated it was driven by a man who could be armed and in the area. 

Residents were ordered to shelter in place and police notified nearby schools out of precaution.

A K9 officer and drones helped officers find the man, who was hiding in a garbage can in the 1300 block of Ryehill Drive. He was not armed. 

After questioning, police say the man was released and charges are pending further investigation. 

Anyone with more information is urged to contact Joliet PD's Investigation Division at 815-724-3020 or Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734.