Joliet Shooting Leaves Teen Critically Injured

Police say a 15-year-old boy was shot in the head and another 14-year-old was battered in the incident.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A 15-year-old boy was shot in the head and critically injured on Saturday night in southwest suburban Joliet. Another victim, a 14-year-old boy, was also battered during the same incident, according to the Joliet Police Department.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is an ongoing concern in the Joliet community, with the police department working to address the root causes and provide resources to help keep young people safe.

The details

Officers responded to the 600 block of Wheeler Avenue around 10:40 p.m. for a report of a shooting. They were told that the gunshot victim was being driven in a car near Meadow Avenue and Thorne Street in Rockdale. The driver of the car, who had been trying to help the victim, flagged down the officers. The officers took the teen to nearby Saint Joseph Medical Center in critical condition, and he was later transferred to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago for further treatment. The 14-year-old victim was also taken to Saint Joseph Medical Center by paramedics. Police canvassed the area of West Park, where investigators believe the shooting took place. The motive for the shooting is under investigation.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday night around 10:40 p.m.

The players

Joliet Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

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What’s next

The Joliet Police Department is asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact their Investigation Division or submit an anonymous tip to the Will County Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence involving minors in the Joliet community, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address the root causes and provide resources to keep young people safe.