Man killed in Joliet hit-and-run after jail release; investigation underway

JOLIET, Ill. - A New Lenox man was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Joliet after being released from jail Saturday afternoon.

The crash happened around 4:05 p.m. at Washington and Ottawa streets. 

The pedestrian, a 51-year-old man who hasn't been identified, had just been released from the Will County Jail, according to Joliet police.

Witnesses told police that the pedestrian was run over by a semi-truck and trailer. After the crash, the semi reportedly continued driving southbound on Ottawa. 

The pedestrian died from his injuries at the scene, police said.  

Joliet police identified the semi-truck involved and tracked it to a yard in Minooka. Officers found the semi-truck that had been caught on camera and the truck driver. 

The driver did not appear impaired and his license was valid, according to police. When he gave his statement to the officers, he did not indicate that he knew about the crash. 

Both the semi-truck and trailer were checked for signs of an accident, and it looked like at least one had evidence. They were both towed for the investigation.

The driver of the semi-truck has not been issued any citations at this time. This crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with more information on the incident is urged to contact Joliet PD's Traffic Unit at 815-724-3100. 

Joliet police initially said the victim was 21 years old.