Joliet man charged in Iowa gun theft

JOLIET - A Joliet man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stealing a handgun in Iowa earlier this month.

Will County Sheriff's deputies went to the Budget Express Inn, 1806 McDonough Street, after being informed by Iowa authorities Joshua J. Rudnicki, 21, would be in possession of a stolen handgun, according to Will County Assistant State's Attorney Chris Messina.

Deputies encountered Rudnicki in the parking lot and found he was carrying a Charter Arms .38-caliber handgun that had been reported stolen on May 12, Messina said.

"He admitted stealing the gun from a residence in Iowa," Messina told Judge Fred Harvey.

Rudnicki, of the 1100 block of Cora Street, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a stolen firearm. He was also wanted for failing to appear on a domestic battery charge from Naperville.

Court records indicate Rudnicki was convicted of domestic battery in June 2016. He has also previously been arrested on charges of battery, retail theft and driving with a suspended license. Harvey ordered Rudnicki held in the Will County jail on $150,000 bond.