Man Carrying a Rifle Arrested Following Shootings At White Birch Lane Plus Statement From Joliet’s Police Chief

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 5:20 a.m., Joliet Police Officers responded to the 2300 block of Taylor Street for a  report of a male walking in the area while carrying a firearm. Officers completed an initial  search and were unable to locate the male. While Officers were on scene, information was received that indicated a male carrying a rifle was walking on the property of White Birch Apartments and that this same male had entered the apartment building at 2355 White Birch  Lane and entered an apartment on the second floor. Officers located the suspect at this  apartment, and he was detained and identified as 42-year old Michael King of Joliet.  

During a canvass of the area, Officers located three spent rifle casings from the ground in the  parking lot in the 2300 block of White Birch Lane. Officers were unable to located any shooting  victims or any property struck by gunfire. Officers located King’s Mercedes Benz vehicle in the  parking lot and located a handgun in plain view on the front seat of the vehicle. King was  transported to the Joliet Police Department for further questioning and his vehicle was towed  from the scene.  

Later in the day, Detectives obtained a search warrant for King’s apartment. Detectives executed  the search warrant at King’s apartment at which time they located a loaded AR style rifle in a  closet and other ammunition. Detectives determined that King did not possess a valid FOID card  and is a convicted felon. Following a review of the facts and evidence of this case, the Will  County State’s Attorney Office approved two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by  Felon. King was processed at the Joliet Police Department and transferred to the Will County  Adult Detention Facility.  

Michael King (42, Joliet) was arrested, processed, and  transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by  Felon (2 Counts).  

Meanwhile, Joliet’s Police Chief Bill Evans released a statement regarding the rash of shootings in Joliet recently.

“As your Chief of Police, I share a deep sense of concern regarding the recent increase in  shootings within our city. These incidents, which have seemingly occurred at random locations,  have created a heightened sense of unease for many. The safety and well-being of every person  in our community is the highest priority of the Joliet Police Department.  

I understand the anxiety and distress these random acts of violence can cause, and I share in that  concern. My thoughts are with everyone affected, and your police department is committed to  ensuring that we take every necessary step to address this issue. 

Additional details of Officers have been deployed throughout the city to increase visibility,  respond rapidly, and work to proactively prevent further incidents. 

Today’s arrest was made possible through the diligent work of our Officers and Detectives as  well as the vital assistance of our community members. This development is an important step  toward holding those responsible accountable and ensuring justice is served. 

While this arrest is a positive development, our work is far from over. We need your continued  support to address these challenges effectively. If you see something suspicious or concerning, I  urge you to call the Joliet Police Department immediately. Being a good witness and providing  accurate information, descriptions, or video footage can make a tremendous difference in our  efforts to solve and prevent crimes. Your involvement and vigilance are crucial in helping us  bring those responsible to justice. 

From a broader perspective, we recognize that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive  approach. We look to collaborate with our law enforcement partners, local government, and  social services to address the underlying factors contributing to these incidents and to support  long-term solutions that promote safety and security for all. 

Together, we can work towards a safer Joliet. Thank you for your continued support,  cooperation, and dedication to the safety of our city.”