Investigation continues in Louis Joliet Mall shooting

JOLIET – Federal charges were pending Wednesday against two suspected drug dealers, one of whom was shot during a confrontation with U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents Tuesday outside the Louis Joliet Mall.

Adan Godinez, 31, of Morris, remained hospitalized Wednesday with a non-life-threatening wound to his leg, according to Joliet Police Chief Brian Benton.

"Two police officers are guarding him at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center where he'll be kept until he's stable enough to be transferred to jail," Benton said.

Godinez will be held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, but could spend a night at the Will County jail if he ends up being discharged from the hospital in the evening hours.

The other suspect was sent to the Metropolitan Correctional Center on Wednesday morning after spending the night at the Will County jail. Jail records identified him as Fernando Gondinez, 43, of Cicero, but DEA Special Agent Leo Hawkins said Wednesday morning authorities were verifying if that name was being used as an alias.

About 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Godinez and Gondinez arranged to meet with undercover narcotics officers in the parking lot between JC Penney and Macy's, authorities said. The pair brought two kilograms of cocaine to sell, but when officers moved in to arrest them, Godinez took out a handgun and started firing. No one but Godinez was injured, but several parked cars were struck by gunfire, according to authorities. Gondinez was also armed but did not draw his gun.

Part of the parking area was closed off until 1 a.m. Wednesday as evidence technicians examined the scene. Benton said some vehicles were taken by their owners and others had to be towed away.

Benton said Joliet police expected to "interview all parties involved" in the shootout by Friday.

Joliet police and mall management met Wednesday to discuss the shooting.

"The mall has returned to business as usual, but we will have an increased visible presence to reassure the public they're safe," Benton said.

Benton spoke Wednesday to the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and was introduced by mall manager Eric Loula.

Loula did not mention the shooting incident during his remarks, but commended the police department "for their ongoing response and always speedy response."

Loula declined to comment on the incident to The Herald-News.

Reporter Bob Okon contributed to this story.