A Joliet man who had been arrested last year in connection with a deadly shootout was back in custody after officers caught him with a loaded gun, police said.
On Sunday, Javontae Gray, 23, James Faint, 21, and Lakeshia Wade, were arrested following a traffic stop where officers found a loaded gun in Gray’s waistband, Joliet police said in a news release.
Gray was previously arrested after a Feb. 7, 2020 shootout on Republic Avenue that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jeremiah Frazier, who was riding in Gray’s car during the incident, police said.
Gray ultimately pleaded guilty to knowingly concealing evidence by taking a cellphone from the ground after the shooting. Jeremiah Gavin, 23, remains the only defendant charged with Frazier’s murder.
Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Sunday, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near North Ottawa and West Washington streets, police said.
Officers identified Wade as the driver and Faint and Gray as passengers, police said. Officers determined that Wade’s license was revoked and then had all three exit the vehicle.
“Upon search of Gray, officers recovered a loaded handgun from Gray’s waistband,” police said.
Officers further searched the vehicle and found a second handgun in the glove box, police said. Faint, who was in the front passenger seat, was then also arrested, according to police.
Wade was cited for driving while license revoked and released on her own recognizance, police said.
Gray and Faint were arrested on charges of unlawful use of a weapon by felon and unlawful possession of ammunition, police said.
Both men were taken to the Will County jail and their bonds were set at $50,000.
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