Joliet man charged with assault after allegedly threatening cleaning workers

Joliet — A Joliet man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened two people with a gun inside his home Thursday afternoon.

Following the man’s arrest, detectives discovered that the handgun used during the incident was a replica toy, according to a release from the Joliet Police Department.

Police responded to the 500 block of Irving Street at about 12:43 p.m. for a report of a disturbance involving a handgun, according to the release.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a man and a woman who reported being threatened with a handgun by the homeowner, later identified as 46-year-old Erik Aviles, during a house cleaning appointment, according to police.

Aviles had hired the cleaning service through an online platform, and the workers arrived at his home at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday, according to police.

Near the end of the appointment, Aviles reportedly became angry and accused the man and woman of stealing, according to police.

“It is believed Aviles retrieved a handgun from a nearby couch and pointed it at the male victim. When the male and female attempted to leave, Aviles allegedly grabbed the female by her jacket and used his arm to press her against the door, preventing her escape,“ the police stated in the release.

Aviles also is accused of holding the gun to the woman’s head and body before ordering her to leave the residence, according to police. Both victims eventually fled the home safely, according to police.

Officers at the scene established a perimeter around the residence, and the Joliet Police Special Operations Squad and Crisis Negotiator Team were called out. A shelter in place order was issued for nearby residents at this time.

The crisis negotiator made contact with Aviles from the street, and members of the Special Operations Squad announced themselves at the door, Joliet Police Public Affairs Sgt. Dwayne English English said.

“A man came to the door and surrendered peacefully. He was taken into custody, and the officers conducted a safety check on the house,” English said.

Aviles was taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility and was charged with aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated assault, according to police.

There was no evidence found to substantiate Aviles’ claim of theft, according to police.