Armed Robbery in Joliet Leaves Teenager Shaken, Suspect Still at Large

JOLIET, Ill. (CBS) – An armed robbery incident unfolded in southwest suburban Joliet on Thursday morning, leaving a teenager shaken and the suspect on the run. The event occurred around 11 a.m. in the 500 block of Silver Leaf Drive, where a thief approached two 17-year-old girls sitting in a parked car. The suspect brandished a handgun, pressing it against the passenger's neck and demanding her purse, while also attempting to steal the car keys from the driver. During a struggle for the keys, the driver managed to reclaim them from the robber, who then fired a shot that struck the driver's side door. Following the incident, both victims bravely pursued the suspect as he fled eastbound through the neighborhood, which is located near Joliet Junior College and an elementary school. The suspect was last seen near a residence on Silver Falls Street. In response to the robbery, local police initiated a search of the area, advising residents to shelter in place during the early stages of the investigation. Although the order was later lifted, no injuries were reported. Authorities have since identified two additional suspects connected to the robbery, who are now in custody. The Joliet police are actively searching for the primary suspect, described as a Black male, approximately 5-foot-7, weighing around 300 pounds, with dreadlocks and dressed in dark clothing.