Joliet police arrest two suspects after armed robbery that triggered curfew

JOLIET, ILLINOIS. – Joliet police have arrested two teenagers in connection with an attempted armed robbery that occurred late Thursday morning.

The incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. in the 500 block of Silver Leaf Drive.

A 17-year-old boy approached two 17-year-old girls who were sitting in a parked Pontiac Grand Am. He stood on the passenger side of the vehicle, put a gun to the passenger’s neck and demanded her purse, police said.

He then snatched the passenger’s handbag and the driver’s car keys before a scuffle broke out, authorities said.

The driver managed to take the car keys from the suspect, but during the altercation the suspect fired a single shot from his pistol, hitting the driver’s door, police said.

Both victims pursued the suspect as he fled east through the neighborhood. He was last seen near a home in the 600 block of Silver Creek Drive, according to JPD.

The house was searched by police and a curfew was imposed on residents in the area. Troy Heritage School was also notified.

After officers were unable to locate the suspect in the home, the shelter was lifted. No injuries were reported.

A short time later, police were able to locate and arrest the armed suspect and a second suspect, also a 17-year-old boy. One of the suspects is charged with armed robbery and dangerous discharge of a firearm.

The second suspect is accused of serious misuse of weapons.

They are both being held at the River Valley Justice Center

This is a developing story and we will bring further updates as they become available.