WCSO Press Releases

Will County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Barry Avenue, Lockport Township, in reference to shots fired, at 11:10pm, January 13, 2016.  Upon arrival deputies found a male subject, later identified as Dylan Somma, age 22, of Romeoville, unresponsive in the front yard of a residence.  Lockport Township Fire was called to the scene, transported Somma to Silver Cross Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

Sheriff’s deputies and detectives secured the scene and transported several witnesses to the Sheriff’s Investigation Division to be interviewed.  At this time it appears that Somma was in the area to purchase drugs when an altercation took place.  Somma suffered one gunshot wound to the chest.  No one is in custody at this time.

Will County Coroner's Office scheduled an autopsy for 10am today.   This remains an open and active investigation.   -end-

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley, Undersheriff Robert Contro, and SOG Team Leader, Sgt. Nathaniel Freeman attended a check presentation at Firehouse Subs, 1522 IL Route 59 in Joliet on Friday, January 8, 2016.  Owner and Operators William, Christine, Kayla, and Will Vanderbilt presented a $200 check to the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group (SOG) after they sponsored a fundraiser at their store back on October 25th.  Firehouse Subs provides area public safety agencies with extra funding in order to purchase needed items not covered in agency budgets.  15% of all orders taken on that day went to benefit the Sheriff’s Office.  Proceeds from this event will go to purchase educational materials to be distributed at Will County Sheriff’s Office community events. 

Thank you to the Vanderbilt Family and Firehouse Subs for their community outreach and support!   -end-

On Thursday, 1/7/16 at approximately 10:52pm, Will County Sheriff's deputies were called to a residence on the 1700 block of Houston Avenue in Joliet Township regarding an unresponsive subject.  Upon arrival deputies found a male white, age 62, of the Houston Avenue residence, in the driveway with considerable trauma.  East Joliet Fire personnel arrived, along with the Will County Coroner's Office.  The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An individual who lives in the home advised deputies that they heard the victim having a conversation with someone outside, then heard a loud noise.  The individual went outside and discovered the victim laying on the ground unresponsive.

At this time there are no suspects and the investigation is ongoing.  An autopsy is scheduled for this morning to determine cause of death.   -end-

It has come to the attention of the Will County Sheriff’s Office that area residents are receiving phone calls from a private firm who represents the Deputies Union FOP #738.  The Sheriff’s Office would like to make it clear to residents that the Sheriff’s Office does not solicit funds over the phone or solicit in any other manner.  Currently, the Will County Sheriff’s Office is solely funded through grants and with tax dollars set in a budget by the Will County Board.  No funds collected by the Deputies Union go back to the Sheriff’s Office to pay for their programs or operating expenses.   

According to the Deputies Union, funds that are collected thru solicitations go to various area charities.  For more information on the Deputies Union #738 please visit www.wcspunion.com. 

-end-

Today, 1/4/16, around 10:30am, Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 23000 block of S. Cherry Hill Road in Manhattan Township regarding a stabbing.  Upon arrival deputies placed Michael J. Bernhard, age 22, of 23263 S. Cherry Hill Road, Manhattan, in custody without incident after speaking with his mother who stated that Michael had attempted to stab her while they were inside the family car.  Mrs. Bernhard stated that she was getting ready to drive her son, Michael, to the train station in order for him to return to college.  While she began backing out of the driveway her son asked her to stop the vehicle because he forgot something inside.  When he returned to the inside of the vehicle he pulled out a 6" butcher knife and proceeded to attack her.  Mrs. Bernhard stated that she attempted to defend herself and then slammed the car into reverse and pulled down the driveway in order to possibly attract attention for help.  It was at this time that a relative, who lives nearby, observed the vehicle and the struggle going on inside.  The relative called 911.

Mrs. Bernhard was transported to Silver Cross Hospital and was treated for cuts and abrasions to her hands, arms, and throat.  She was later released.  Michael Bernhard was also transported to Silver Cross for evaluation and was later released to Sheriff's detectives.  He was brought into the Sheriff's Investigation Division for questioning and was subsequently charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Attempted Murder.  It is believed that Michael Bernhard was attempting to kill his mother for insurance money to pay for his college tuition.  He will appear in bond court tomorrow morning.

Will County Sheriff's deputies responded to a Mills Road residence in Joliet Township around 10:20pm on Christmas Eve.  Upon arrival deputies spoke with the residents who stated that while they were away from the home visiting family, person/s unknown kicked open the back door and burglarized the home.  The residents, a 7 year old girl and her parents, were devastated and informed deputies that the offenders had unwrapped all of the presents under the Christmas tree and stole them, which included clothing for their daughter.  Also stolen in the burglary was an Xbox gaming system, a 32"TV, a laptop and several pieces of gold jewelry that were already in the home. 

While deputies were processing the scene, Deputy Michael Kane spoke with the 7 year old who was very distraught by the theft of the Christmas gifts.   Deputy Kane, along with Deputy Brett Farmer and Deputy Mark Tapella, then decided that they had to do something for this little girl.  They contacted other on-duty deputies to inform them of what had happened to this family and their Christmas gifts.  The word quickly spread and a collection was started with two deputies assigned to 'special detail' to organize the affair.  On-duty deputies stepped up for the cause to cover calls  for service within the county.  Less than two hours later $600 was collected from 16 deputies and they were ready to save this families Christmas.

Being after 11pm and Christmas Eve, no local merchandise stores were open so a decision was made to go to Walgreens on Rt. 30 in New Lenox.  Deputies arrived at the store and purchased toys, merchandise, and gift cards for the family.  During their shopping trip they spoke with a Walgreens employee who provided 'employee discounts' for the entire purchase.  Deputies also encountered three random citizens shopping in the store who asked about the police presence.  When they heard the story each gladly chipped in $20.

When all the gifts were bought, deputies headed to the Sheriff's Office where the gifts were quickly wrapped.  Around 1am deputies returned to the Mills Road home and delivered the gifts to a smiling and thankful family.    When asked about the events of the evening, Deputy Kane stated, "I think seeing the little girl's reaction reminded us of why we chose this career...to help people."

-end- 

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