Teen wounded in Friday afternoon shooting

A Friday afternoon shooting on the city’s west side left a 17-year-old in critical condition, police said.

Officers responded to the 200 block of Republic Avenue to investigate a report of shots fired, according to a statement released by police.

An officer found the wounded teen. He was taken to AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet in critical condition.

Paul Bradac, the manger of the nearby Tire Tracks, said he heard gunshots about 12:05 p.m.

“We were in the building,” he said. “We heard about seven to 10 shots.”

Later Friday afternoon, the Joliet police said their investigation was in its early stages and that police were actively looking into what occurred.

The Joliet Police Department said it’s seeking help from the public. Any person or business with surveillance video of any activity in the area between 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Investigation Unit at 815-724-3020. The area of focus is on Republic Avenue from Jefferson Street to Glenwood Avenue.

Anyone with information related to the incident can also contact the investigation unit or Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734, if they wish to remain anonymous.