Suspect dies after hourslong barricade in suburban Joliet, sheriff says

Joliet schools on lockdown after person barricades themself

Three schools in southwest suburban Joliet are under lockdown Monday due to a nearby barricaded suspect, authorities said.

JOLIET - The SWAT situation in suburban Joliet ended late Monday night with the barricaded man found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, authorities said.

As of Tuesday, the Will County Sheriff's Office confirmed the suspect, a man in his 40s, died Monday night at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Three schools in southwest suburban Joliet were under lockdown for several hours on Monday due to the SWAT situation.

What we know:

The incident began just before 1 p.m. when Will County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in the 200 block of Romayne Avenue in Joliet.

Authorities said the driver crashed the vehicle and fled on foot into a neighborhood, then entered a nearby home and remained barricaded. The man was armed, deputies said.

The Will County Sheriff’s Office issued a reverse 911 alert to residents within a one-mile radius.

As a precaution, Marycrest School, Mary Sears Children’s Academy and the Joliet Township High School District 204 administrative building were placed on lockdown until around 5:30 p.m.

The negotiations with the barricaded person were still ongoing. 

Around 9 p.m., the Will County SWAT tactical team went into the home and found the suspect with the gunshot wound. Deputies also recovered a handgun from inside. 

As of Tuesday, the sheriff's office has not identified the man, but said he was wanted for three Class X felonies, which include: 

• Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, 15-100 grams of cocaine
• Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, 900+ grams of cocaine
• Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, 15-100 grams of cocaine

What's next:

The Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force will take over the investigation, according to the sheriff's office. 

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). Click here for the warning signs and risk factors for suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.