Gun Found In Car Of Domestic Violence Defendant: Joliet Police

Joliet IL

01 September, 2021

7:01 PM

Description

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police arrested a 38-year-old Romeoville man early Wednesday morning after police say he attacked his girlfriend and then returned to the scene four hours later. Upon his return, officers arrested Joseph Waits and found a gun inside his car, police announced. By 5:20 a.m., Waits was booked into the Will County Jail on charges of domestic battery, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of ammunition, no FOID and two counts of criminal damage to property. On Tuesday, Joliet officers were called to the residence of Waits' girlfriend around 10 p.m. She lives in the 200 block of East Cass Street, near Joliet's downtown. "Further investigation determined that during an argument, Waits struck the victim multiple times about the body and head," Joliet police reports show. "Waits then left the residence prior to officer arrival." A Joliet Fire Department ambulance was called to the residence, but the victim refused medical treatment, police said. Joliet officers tried to find Waits at that time, but were unsuccessful. Then, at 2 a.m., Waits returned, police said "It was determined that Waits had damaged a door to the residence to get inside. Officers observed a handgun in plain view in Waits' vehicle," police reports state. The gun was seized as evidence and Waits was taken to the Will County Jail, police said.