WCSO Press Releases

The Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (WCSAPC) invites you to "Be In The Know" - a parent and youth forum to be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Lincoln Way West High School from 4pm to 7pm.  The high school is located at 21701 Gougar Road in New Lenox.   The event is free and open to the public.

This family-focused forum will feature an all star lineup, moderated by Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley.  The forum will offer an informative discussion for parents and youth regarding the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

Hear from NBA stars including Cameron Payne/Chicago Bulls, Pamela McGee/former WNBA player & mother of  JaVale McGee of the Golden State Warriors, Alondo Tucker/former NBA Phoenix Suns, Roger Powell Jr./former NBA Utah Jazz, and Pastor Jolinda Wade/New Creation B.A.L.M. Church & mother of Dwayne Wade.

The vision of the WCSAPC is to educate youth on how to stay drug and alcohol free; to educate parents on how to keep their youth drug and alcohol free; to work in conjunction with the community to create an environment where substance abuse is no longer the norm or an accepted behavior; to provide options and alternative activities that promote healthy lifestyle decisions; and to educate youth on quality of life issues pertaining to substance abuse/alcohol awareness.

For more information on the WCSAPC or the upcoming Forum, please visit their Facebook page by searching Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition or contact Coordinator Cherry Powell at 815-724-1878. 

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Yesterday around 5:20pm, Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 24000 block of Jensen Street in Shorewood, Joliet Township.  Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the mother of an 11-year-old female who stated that around 5pm her daughter was given permission to walk to her friend’s house on Jensen Street, two blocks west of their home on S. Sarver Drive.  At approximately 5:10pm, the mother received a phone call from the intended friend’s mother who advised that her daughter had arrived to their house in a panic and had been chased by an unknown male. 

 Deputies then spoke to the  girl who stated that while walking westbound, approaching Canterbury, an unknown male white with brown/black ear length hair, wearing black shorts and a black t-shirt, came running towards her yelling, “Come here, I got something for you.”  The girl started running towards her friend’s home and began using her cell phone to call her mother.  The male subject then ran north on Lakewood and out of sight of the victim. 

  The 11-year-old was not injured.  Deputies canvassed the neighborhood for a possible offender but did not locate anyone.  As is normal protocol, deputies are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness.  At this time they are unclear of what the intensions of the offender were.  The investigation into this incident remains active.

  The Sheriff’s Office is asking people in the neighborhood and surrounding areas to be vigilant when their families/children are outside.  If any homeowners have security video in that area that has not already been previewed by deputies, to please do so and contact us immediately with any information you may have.    If anyone sees anything suspicious, we ask that you contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office at 815-727-8575.     –end-

The Will County Sheriff’s Office, Investigations Division, is seeking help from the public in identifying the two suspects in the July 19^th armed robbery that occurred at the Shell Gas Station, 15861 S. Bell Road (corner of 159^th Street and Bell Road), in Homer Glen.

 Suspect #1 is described as a young male/white, wearing a Black Chicago Bulls ‘hoodie’ with white drawstring ties and a red “Bulls” logo on the upper sleeve.  His face was covered with a black cloth material and he wore black shoes with white soles.  This subject displayed a black handgun during the robbery.

  Suspect #2 is described as a young male/black, wearing a green hooded sweatshirt, red bandana covering his face, dark pants and gloves.  This subject removed cash from the register drawer.

  There is a significant height difference between the two suspects as noted in the photos.

On July 19, 2018 at approximately 4:10am, deputies were dispatched to the Shell Gas Station regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred.  The victim, a female employee, advised that she had gone into the washroom because no one was inside the store.  When she came out, she observed two male subjects wearing masks over their faces; one subject had a small black handgun.  One subject grabbed her and took her behind the counter.  The subject told her to “give me all the money”.  The victim complied and gave the offender/s a small amount of currency.   Both subjects then left the store.   No vehicle was observed in the immediate area on video surveillance footage. 

  If anyone has information regarding this robbery or can assist detectives with the identification of these individuals, please call the Sheriff’s Investigation Division at:  815-727-8574  (ext:4958).      –end-

Full story »

Last week, the Will County Sheriff's Office assisted the Illinois Liquor Control Commission in conducting compliance checks in the Village of Homer Glen.

   A total of 22 businesses licensed to sell liquor were visited.  We are happy to announce that every one of the businesses complied with Illinois liquor laws and refused to serve underage customers.  We commend the Homer Glen establishments, as well as all establishments, which do not sell liquor to minors.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2018

For Information, Contact:
Sgt. K. Lakomiak
(815)727-3263

This St. Patrick’s Day, Don’t Rely on the Luck o’ the Irish

The Will County Sheriff’s Department today announced it will conduct special patrols this St. Patrick’s Day to crack down on drunk drivers and encourage people to wear their seat belts. 

Widely celebrated across the country, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest holidays due to the number of drunk drivers on the road. Drunk driving kills more than 10,000 people each year in our country, and each of those deaths is preventable. 

“We’re urging our community’s residents and guests to plan ahead for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations,” said Sgt. Lakomiak. “If you’re going to drink, designate a sober driver before you go out. Remember: It’s not just about you. There are other people on the roads who want to get where they are going safely.”

Designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are two easy ways to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for drunk driving. Following are some additional tips.

If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

• Remember, you can be held liable if someone you serve is involved in a drunk driving crash.
• Make sure your guests designate a sober driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Keep phone numbers for local cab companies or your favorite ride-sharing app handy and take keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving drunk.

If you’re going out for St. Patrick’s Day:

• Designate a sober driver ahead of time and give that person your car keys.
• If you don’t have a designated driver, call a cab, use ride-sharing, have a sober friend or family member pick you up or stay where you are and sleep it off.
• Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they’re about to drive after drinking.
• Buckle up – it’s your best defense in a crash. 

Pedestrians are at risk, too. If you are walking, keep an eye out for cars. Even a sober driver is a risk if you are drinking and walking. Designated drivers: Be alert for impaired walkers who may not obey street signs and pedestrian signals. 

The Illinois St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is funded by federal highway safety funds administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

On 12/26/2017, at approximately 11:30 PM, the Will County Sheriff’s Office was contacted in regards to a shots fired complaint in the 1800 Block of Water Street in Unincorporated Wilmington.  Upon Deputies arrival, an unresponsive juvenile was located with an apparent gunshot wound.  The juvenile was transported to a local area hospital, and was later pronounced deceased. 

Will County Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators were sent to the scene, and the investigation is on-going.  Further information will be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.