A Joliet mother acted in self-defense late Friday night when she fatally shot a man who allegedly broke into her home while she and her infant child hid in a bedroom closet. The dramatic and frightening incident took place on the 7000 block of Hadrian Drive, according to a statement from the Joliet Police Department.
Break-In Reported Late Friday Night
Police were called to the scene around 10:28 p.m. following a report of a home invasion. When officers arrived, they found signs of forced entry at the residence and discovered a man unresponsive on the second floor with a gunshot wound to the head. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by Joliet Fire Department paramedics and the Will County Coroner’s Office.
Mother and Baby Unharmed
Inside the home, police found a woman and her infant child, both unharmed, in a nearby bedroom. According to initial investigations, the woman told police she had armed herself with a handgun after hearing someone forcibly enter the home. When the suspect allegedly entered the bedroom, she fired the weapon and struck him in the head.
Suspect Wore Gloves, Carried Screwdriver
Investigators reported that the deceased man was wearing gloves and had a screwdriver, which may have been used to break into the home. Police also confirmed that the suspect was not known to the woman, suggesting this was a random or targeted home invasion, not a domestic incident.
Investigation Ongoing
The woman is said to be fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation, and at this time, no charges have been announced. Detectives from the Joliet Police Department are continuing to gather information and will work closely with the Will County Coroner’s Office, which will determine the suspect’s identity and official cause of death.
Police are also requesting that anyone in the area with surveillance footage or additional information contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at (815) 724-3020, or submit anonymous tips to Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734.
Safety Reminder for Homeowners
This tragic and tense situation serves as a reminder for families to:
Secure doors and windows
Keep emergency numbers handy
Have a plan for how to respond in case of an intruder
Consider home security systems or surveillance cameras
While this case is still being reviewed, it appears the mother acted out of fear and protection for her child, leading to a fatal but possibly justified outcome under Illinois self-defense laws.
A terrifying night ended in tragedy for one man and a close call for a Joliet mother and her baby, as police continue to investigate a home invasion that left the suspected intruder dead. With the investigation ongoing, residents in the area are reminded to stay alert and report anything suspicious to local authorities.
