WCSO Press Releases

This holiday season, the Will County Sheriff's Office will work around the clock to keep drivers and passengers safe as they search for alcohol/drug impaired drivers.  The campaign begins December 18th and runs through January 2nd.  The Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois in a year-end Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement. 

"Motorists will now notice increased enforcement watching closely for anyone who is driving impaired," said Sheriff's Sergeant Kyle Lakomiak.  "It is vital that we keep our travelers safe, not just at the holidays, but every day.  That's why we will arrest anyone who chooses to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs."

Deputies will also be ticketing those individuals who are not buckled up.  It is the law in Illinois to wear your seat belt, no matter where you are seated in the vehicle. 

The holidays are a special time of the year, full of excitement and festivities.  Too often these celebrations bring higher number of impaired drivers to the roads.  Party responsibly!  Plan ahead!  Have a designated driver before the party begins or call a taxi or uber! Don't turn your holiday into a visit to our jail.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is made possibly by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.  

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley would like to announce that Christopher G. Gills, age 39, of Houma, Louisiana, has been arrested and charged for the offense of Attempted First Degree Murder, Home Invasion, and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault.  An arrest warrant was issued on 12/06/2017 in the amount of $1,000,000-10% to apply.

On 10/28/2017, at approximately 8:48 AM, deputies from the Will County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2411 Meridian Drive in unincorporated Joliet Township in reference to an unresponsive person bleeding inside of the residence.  Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, Stephanie Evans, age 35, of Joliet, on a bedroom floor of a residence covered in blood.  Several puncture type wounds were visible to deputies along with various other injuries.  It was later learned that Stephanie had been shot several times, both in the head and in the abdomen. 

Will County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene, and Will County Sheriff’s Police Detectives were contacted to investigate the crime.  Through various interviews, detectives were able to identify a person of interest in the case.  The victim and the offender had a previous dating relationship approximately six months prior.  Numerous subpoenas and search warrants were issued to further the investigation. 

Through various investigative means detectives of the Will County Sheriff’s Office were able to place the offender, Christopher Gills at or near the scene when the attack took place.  At the time of the violent attack, the offender was armed and wearing a ski mask.  The ski mask was left on scene, and collected.  The mask was sent to a crime lab to be analyzed for forensic evidence.  The ski mask contained DNA that was a match for Christopher Gills. 

On 12/07/2017, Detectives with the Will County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Houma, Louisiana in an attempt to apprehend and speak with Christopher Gills.  With the assistance of the Houma Police Department, Christopher Gills was taken into custody without incident.  The investigation is on-going, and additional information will be provided at the appropriate time.

Christopher Gills will remain in the custody of the Houma Police Department, pending transfer to another facility.  An extradition hearing will be forthcoming in regards to the custody of Christopher Gills being transferred over to the Will County Sheriff’s Police.    

Will County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking help from the public in identifying a suspect in a suspicious incident.   On 10/23/17, around 10:40am, Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 400 block of Laurel Drive in Naperville, Wheatland Township, in reference to an activated home burglar alarm.   The suspect and his vehicle were captured on the homeowner’s video surveillance system.  The suspect was also seen in the video taking an Amazon package from an Amazon driver.  The suspect previewed the package but upon leaving the scene left the package near the front door.   The home alarm was activated shortly after the suspect was seen going toward the back door of the home.    The vehicle is possibly a black Camry with a spoiler. 

Neighbors reported to deputies that they had also observed the same subject near other homes in the area.     

 Anyone with any information is asked to call the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Investigation Division, at 815-727-8574, extension 4965. 

-end-

Full story »

    The Will County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (WCSAPC) will present a Parent & Youth Forum on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Joliet West High School Auditorium located at 401 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet. The event is free and open to the public.  (See attached flyer)

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

   Featured speakers will include:

            • Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers

            • Roger Powell Jr., Associate Head Coach at Vanderbilt University

            • Evan Turner, Portland Trail Blazers

            *Doug Collins, TV Analyst & former Head Coach of Chicago Bulls

            • Cameron Payne and Michael Carter-Williams, Chicago Bulls

            • James Glasgow, Will County State’s Attorney

            • Dianna Feeney, Director of Clinical Services at TASC

            • Pastor Jolinda Wade, New Creation B.A.L.M. Church and 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 and alcohol awareness. 

   This event will be broadcast live on WJOL (1340AM radio) by newscaster Kevin Kollins.  If you can’t make the event, tune in between 3pm and 6pm.  Kevin will be interviewing the Sheriff and several of the All-Star guest speakers! 

   If you have questions or concerns, please contact Will County Sheriff’s Office Prevention Coordinator, Cherry Powell, at 815 724 1878 or email her at:   wcsapc2017@gmail.com

Keep in touch with the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition:

Visit their website at:  www.willcountycoalition.com

 Follow them on Facebook:   www.facebook.com/willcountycoalition2017

-end-

The Will County Sheriff's Office is confirming that six year old, Owen Schmidt, succumbed to his injuries from the accident that occurred on July 24th in Beecher.  The Sheriff's Office was advised by the Cook County Medical Examiner that Owen passed away today at 2:39am.

The Sheriff's Office extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Schmidt family.  

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of 4 year old Weston Schmidt.  Last evening, the Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Cook County Medical Examiner who advised that Weston was pronounced deceased at 5:55 p.m. at Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago.  Weston's 6 year old brother remains in critical condition at Comer.  -end-