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Joliet, IL – A Joliet man was arrested Thursday after allegedly using a toy gun to threaten a cleaning crew during a dispute, prompting a police standoff.
Officers responded to a report of an armed disturbance on the 500 block of Irving Street at 12:43 p.m. The incident involved Erik Aviles, 46, who had hired the cleaning crew through an online platform.
According to police, the cleaners arrived at Aviles’ home around 9:30 a.m. Near the end of the appointment, Aviles reportedly accused the workers of theft. Authorities allege he grabbed a replica handgun from a couch and pointed it at the male worker.
When the cleaners attempted to leave, Aviles allegedly restrained the female worker by her jacket, pressing her against the door, and held the toy gun to her head. Both workers eventually fled the residence and called for help.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents as officers established a perimeter around the home. The Joliet Police Special Operations Squad and Crisis Negotiator Team were deployed to the scene.
Police used a public address system to instruct Aviles to exit the residence. He complied and was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators confirmed the handgun involved was a toy replica. They found no evidence to support Aviles’ accusations of theft. Aviles faces charges of aggravated unlawful restraint and two counts of aggravated assault.
Authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order shortly after Aviles’ arrest. The area was deemed safe.
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The post Will County, IL: Toy Gun Leads to Joliet Standoff After Alleged Threats Against Cleaning Crew appeared first on Country Herald.