Joliet man arrested in connection with The Niche shooting: cops

A Joliet man carrying a firearm has been arrested in connection with a shooting that left two people wounded during the grand opening of The Niche clothing store in Joliet, but his involvement in the incident remains under investigation, police said.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to the 100 block of North Ottawa Street in reference to a report of people shot, according to a Joliet police news release.

Upon arrival, officers found a female victim inside of The Niche at 103 N. Ottawa St. and a male victim outside the business, police said. Both victims had gunshot wounds to their legs.

“Officers determined numerous people were on scene for the grand opening of the clothing store at which time shots were fired at guests of the store and both victims were struck,” police said.

Joliet police Sgt. Dwayne English said he learned Sunday that the Will County Sheriff's Office notified Joliet police after finding a bullet round had struck a first floor window of the north side of the new courthouse building.

"It is believed to be a stray fired round from the shooting at" 103 N. Ottawa St., English said.

During the investigation of the shooting, a man was located walking away from the area and he appeared to be attempting to conceal an item in his waistband, police said.

The man was stopped by officers and identified as Morris Dunnigan, 25, of the 1400 block of Sehring Street, according to police.

“A firearm was recovered and Dunnigan was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Will County jail. Dunnigan’s involvement in this incident is still under investigation,” police said.

Dunnigan was arrested on probable cause of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, police said. He remained in jail Sunday evening and was scheduled to appear for a court hearing on his bond at 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Both victims were taken to AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, police said, and the female was later flown to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.

“The female victim was originally in critical condition, but her condition has stabilized as of this release,” police said.

The male was treated and released from the hospital, police said.

“This is an active investigation and the Joliet Police Department is currently looking for assistance from the public,” police said.

Anyone with information or video footage should contact the Joliet Police Investigations Division at 815-724-3020 or Will County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-323-6734 or crimestoppersofwillcounty.org, if they wish to remain anonymous.