Joliet Police Chief Taken To The Hospital After Being Punched By Suspect At Joliet Restaurant

It was supposed to be a fun night out for Spirits With the Spirits in downtown Joliet Wednesday night but an irate Joliet man became violent near Cut 158 restaurant. Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans was off duty when he was hit in the face and his pinky finger bitten by a suspect. Evans was taken the hospital for treatment, expected to be fine.

Joliet Police press release below:

On October 25, 2023, at 6:27 PM, Officers responded to the 100 block of North Chicago Street for a disturbance. Upon arrival, Officers learned that a male, later identified as 39 year-old Joshua Medina, was searching through a garbage can on private property. It was determined that Medina had been warned by employees of Cut 158 restaurant located next door to leave the premises on numerous prior occasions.

Medina was advised to leave the premises by the owner of Cut 158 at which time he became verbally abusive and struck the victim in the chest. Off duty Joliet Chief of Police Bill Evans
was in the foyer of the residential building and witnessed the battery to the victim. Chief Evans then intervened, identifying himself as a Joliet Police Officer to Medina. Chief Evans attempted to deescalate the situation and provided numerous commands for Medina to leave the premises, to which Medina ignored. Chief Evans indicated to Medina that he was under arrest and while attempting to affect the arrest, Medina struck Evans in the face, causing a minor injury. Medina then struggled with Chief Evans and the original victim on the ground at which time Medina bit Evans’ pinky finger. Uniformed Officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter and placed Medina into custody without further incident. Evans was transported to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department for treatment of minor injuries. Medina refused medical
assistance at the scene.

While at the Joliet Police Department, Medina refused to cooperate with booking procedures, and he was then transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

Joshua Medina (39, Joliet) was arrested, processed, and transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility for Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer, Battery, and Obstructing Justice.

His first court date is October 27, 2023.