New Lenox man killed in Joliet hit-and-run crash

The Joliet Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash involving a pedestrian.

At 4:05 p.m. Saturday, Joliet police received a call about a hit-and-run crash at Washington and Ottawa streets in Joliet, and that a New Lenox man was lying on the ground at the intersection, according to a news release from the Joliet Police Department.

When Joliet police arrived, it was determined the man had died from his injuries, according to the release. Joliet police learned from witnesses that a semitractor trailer struck the man and continued south on Ottawa Street.

The Will County Coroner’s office identified the man Sunday as Brian T. Stotts, 51, who was pronounced dead at 6:03 p.m. Saturday.

Joliet police learned Saturday that Stotts had just been released from the Will County Detention Center, according to the release.

The area of Washington and Ottawa streets remained closed until Joliet police finished processing the scene, about 6:45 p.m., according to the release.

During their initial investigation Joliet police obtained a screenshot of the semitruck and trailer that appeared to be an electric semitruck, according to a second news release from the Joliet Police Department on Sunday morning.

An area intermodal was checked for the truck because traffic officers are familiar with electric semitrucks, according to the release. However, it was determined that this semitruck did not visit the intermodal.

After traffic officers checked an area location where electric semitrucks operate, a semitruck matching the screenshot was found. The trailer had been “dropped off” in a Minooka yard, according to the release.

“Both the semitruck and trailer were checked for evidence of the accident,” according to the release. “At this time, it appeared that at least one had evidence of the accident. They were both towed for the investigation and evidence processing.”

During the investigation, Joliet police also made contact with a truck driver connected with the semitruck, who gave a statement. The driver’s initial statement indicated the driver did not have any knowledge of “running anyone or anything over,” according to the release.

The driver did not appear impaired, according to the release. The truck driver’s license status was checked, which was valid.

At this time, the truck driver has not been issued any citations, according to the release.

The coroner’s office performed an autopsy Sunday. The final cause and manner of death will be determined after an autopsy and police and toxicological reports.

This is an active investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information should call the Joliet Police Department Traffic Unit at 815-724-3100.