Crime & Safety

Joliet Man Fires at Vice Lords, Steals Pot: Police

Eric Carpenter is accused of shooting at gang members before pointing the gun at his new acquaintances in order to take their marijuana, Joliet Capt. Tab Jensen said.

A Joliet man who started the night smoking pot with two people he just met and ended it by holding them hostage inside a car and taking the rest of their stash was arrested Sunday on a slew of charges, Joliet police said.

Along the way, Eric J. Carpenter, 18, also fired off a round of bullets at members of the Vice Lords gang, Joliet Capt. Tab Jensen said.

According to police reports, Carpenter and a friend met the two victims Saturday night at West Park, located at Wheeler and Belleview avenues. Although they didn't know each other prior to meeting that night, the group shared some marijuana and then decided to start driving around, Jensen said.

Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

At one point, as they drove near Marion and Center streets, Carpenter saw three black men on the corner, yelled "Death to the Vice Lord Nation" and fired a gun at them, Jensen said. No one was injured.

He then pointed a gun at the victims, told them to keep driving and to hand over their pot, he said. In the area of Ruby and Hickory, Carpenter and his friend jumped out of the car and fled.

Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The victims called police, who arrested Carpenter at his 503 Bellarmine St. apartment, Jensen said.

Carpenter was charged with armed robbery, unlawful restraint, aggravated assault and aggravated discharge of a firearm. He's being held in the Will County jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.

______________________________________________________________

HAVE YOU READ THESE POLICE STORIES?

Update: Man Found Dead on Bluff Street Stabbed Multiple Times

Mom Arrested for Leaving 3 Small Kids in Car

Former Joliet Resident Gets Nearly 9 Years in Fed Pen For Ponzi Scheme


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.