Joliet Teen Shot Friday Afternoon in Suspected Gang Attack, Police Say

A masked man driving an SUV shot at two 16-year-olds Friday afternoon, striking one in the leg, in what is believed to be a gang-related attack, Joliet Police Cmdr. Brian Benton said.

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The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. in the area of Ingalls Avenue and Elizabeth Street. The teens told police they were walking home from Joliet Central High School when the SUV pulled up near them and fired shots, Benton said.

The driver was wearing a ski mask and there was at least one other person in the vehicle, he said. The teens gave conflicting reports on the description of the SUV, saying it was either red, green or black in color.

Police believe the assault was targeted because the pair acknowledged they were associated with a gang, and that one had recently had altercation with a rival gang member, he said.

Benton did not have information on how many shots were fired or what type of gun was used, but did say only one teen was struck and that the two bullet wounds to his leg were not life-threatening. The victim was treated at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

There are currently no suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call the Joliet Police Department's investigation unit at 815-724-3020 or CrimeStoppers of Will County at 800-323-6734. Tips can also be submitted via text message by texting “WILLCOCS” and TIP to 274637.