March 29, 2024
Local News

Fleeing ex-con shoots at deputy, bites hands: cops

A fleeing ex-convict shot twice at a Will County deputy, then bit his hands, wrists and arms while they struggled on the ground, police said.

Jason Stevens, 26, of Joliet was booked into the Will County jail on probable cause of attempted murder, resisting or obstructing a police officer, armed violence, aggravated possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated battery, reckless conduct, and a parole violation, according to a statement released Wednesday by the sheriff's office.

Deputies were on Parkwood Drive south of Maple Road shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday to follow up on an incident where a Pontiac Grand Am fled a traffic stop on Joliet's West Side about an hour earlier, police said.

The deputies tracked the Grand Am down to an apartment parking lot, and observed a man — Stevens — who "fit the description of the registered owner, next to the vehicle," police said.

Stevens made a run for it and opened fire on the deputy, police said.

"Upon firing the weapon in close proximity of the deputy, Stevens fell to the ground," police said. "The deputy attempted to gain control of the assaultive suspect’s wrists and firearm. While the deputy was attempting to gain control of the ... firearm, another shot was fired by Stevens in close proximity of" the deputy.

After firing a second time, Stevens "began to bite the deputy’s hands, wrists, and arms in an attempt to gain control of the firearm and defeat the arrest," police said.

A second deputy then intervened and assisted in arresting Stevens, police said.

"When interviewed by detectives, Stevens made numerous incriminating statements in regards to the incident," police said. "The deputy involved in this incident was treated and released from a local area hospital for minor injuries."

Stevens was scheduled to appear in Will County court Thursday afternoon, records show.

Stevens was released from prison in August 2019. He had been sentenced to four years for manufacturing or delivering cocaine, according to Illinois Department of Corrections records.