BLM Protestor Who Accused Joliet Mayor Of Excessive Force During 2020 Protests In Critical Condition

WJOL is learning the name of the man in this week’s Joliet Police involved shooting in the 900 block of Lois Place. The man shot is reported to be Jamal Smith. You may remember him because it was in May of 2020 during a Black Lives Matter protest in Joliet that Smith and his cousin were allegedly shoved by Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. The two sued the Mayor and the Joliet Police Department, accusing them of excessive force and violating their civil rights. A settlement of $93,000 was reached in February for the cousins.

The 31-year-old Smith is in critical condition after being shot by police during a domestic disturbance.

It was on Saturday, April 8th at approximately 4:47 a.m., the Joliet Police Department received a call of a possible domestic disturbance near an apartment building in the 900 block of Lois Place. Upon arrival at the scene, Officers encountered a male adult actively firing a handgun. Officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect in the neck.

Officers immediately rendered medical assistance to the suspect following the shooting. A handgun was recovered at the scene. The suspect was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. The Officers were transported to a local hospital in accordance with department policy.

The Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force was immediately notified and is currently conducting the investigation. Romeoville Police Chief Ken Kroll is leading the investigation.

Smith was transported to Loyola Medical Center and is in critical condition.