Shootings leave man dead, 4 hurt
JOLIET -- One man was killed and four others wounded in two separate allegedly gang-related shootings that occurred within two hours of each other Friday night.
Deputy Police Chief Patrick Kerr said the first incident happened just before 7 p.m. in the 500 block of West Marion Street.
"Witnesses saw three men believed to be gang members go into the alley between Illinois and Seeser streets, just off Marion. Two of them took out handguns and began shooting two men on the street," he said. "We are investigating the possibility gunfire was exchanged by both sides."
During the firefight, Alfredo Aguirre, 17, of Joliet, was shot once. His 19-year-old companion was also hit in the leg.
The men who'd come from the alley fled the scene and the victims were taken by friends to Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Aguirre died following surgery. The 19-year-old man's injury was not life-threatening.
The suspects were described as two black men and a Hispanic man.
"We are actively investigating this incident, which appears gang-related," Kerr said.
"This was a verbal confrontation between two families (that started when ) a woman and Alfredo Oviedo began yelling about a previous shooting incident," Kerr said.
As other people jumped in on both sides the argument escalated into physical violence.
"It turned into a melee," Kerr said. "The huge fight involving several people ended when a white Nissan Maxima containing a Hispanic woman and some Hispanic men pulled up. Those occupants got out of the car and started shooting."
Three men who had been on one side of the dispute were struck by bullets. A 32-year-old man was shot in the head, but his wound was not life-threatening.
A 41-year-old man was also struck in the head, but the bullet did not penetrate, police said. However, that man also suffered a gunshot wound to his liver.
Ambulances took both men to Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. The man with the stomach wound was listed in serious but stable condition Saturday.
A 19-year-old man was also shot in the calf. He was taken to Silver Cross Hospital where he was treated and released.
Following investigation, Alfredo Oviedo, 29, of 658 Chase Ave., was arrested and booked into the county jail on charges of aggravated battery, assault, mob action, physical intimidation and eavesdropping without consent.
Laura Oviedo-Diaz, 35, of 843 N. Broadway, was arrested and booked into the county jail on charges of aggravated battery and mob action. Reports indicate both of the arrested subjects are relatives of two of the shooting victims.
"Detectives have identified several persons of interest from the Nissan and this fight also appears gang-related," Kerr said. Investigators do not believe the fight was connected to the earlier shooting on Marion Street.
Anyone with information about either incident can call detectives at 815-724-3020 or anonymously call CrimeStoppers at 800-323-6734.
