Police: Joliet man yelled obscenities, interfered with investigation

A Joliet man could not stop being verbally aggressive toward officers and repeatedly tried to interfere in their investigation of a fight, police said.

About 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Jerry L. Patton III, 31, of the first block of South Hickory Street, was arrested on charges of obstructing a police officer, aggravated battery and obstructing justice.

Patton was verbally confrontational with officers who responded to a call regarding a fight in the 100 block of North Center Street, Joliet Police Sgt. Darrell Gavin said. When officers arrived, they saw no one fighting, but several people were outside.

Patton allegedly interfered with the officers on the scene as they were trying to speak with those involved, Gavin said. Officers tried to calm Patton down, but he would not stop yelling obscenities, he said.

He then requested an ambulance for an ankle injury he claimed he suffered during a fight, Gavin said.

Patton was ordered twice to step back from officers, but he allegedly refused to obey those orders both times. He then was arrested, and, when paramedics arrived, he was taken to Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet for treatment of his injured ankle.

Once at the hospital, Patton verbally and physically assaulted the staff. When he was released, he was charged and then taken to the Will County jail.

He was being held on a $20,000 bond and posted bail about 3 a.m. Tuesday.