Joliet, Illinois – A 34-year-old homeless man, Omar Mejia, is facing charges for his involvement in multiple violent incidents on East Cass Street in Joliet. One of the incidents resulted in a 60-year-old homeless man at the Daybreak Shelter being hospitalized after being attacked by Mejia, according to reports from Joliet police. Mejia has been charged with aggravated battery, battery, obstructing a peace officer, and aggravated domestic battery.
The series of violent events involving Mejia began back on February 27, as per Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English. Mejia was reported to have been in an altercation with a woman in a vehicle at El Ranchito Supermarket on East Cass Street, where he allegedly physically assaulted her. The incident led to Mejia being issued a warrant for aggravated domestic battery on April 4.
Moreover, on April 18, another violent encounter took place at the Daybreak Shelter, where Mejia was involved in an altercation with a 60-year-old man. This dispute led to Mejia shoving the victim to the ground, resulting in the victim hitting his head on the floor. The victim was subsequently taken to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Following this incident, Mejia was also involved in a disturbance at a warehouse on Maple Street later on the same day. At this location, Mejia refused to leave the building despite being asked multiple times by a victim, ultimately resorting to physical violence by knocking the victim’s phone away and striking him in the head.
As a result of his actions, Mejia was taken into custody by Joliet police and brought to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center for evaluation of a pre-existing injury. Despite his reluctance to cooperate with authorities, Mejia was eventually released from the hospital and transferred to Will County Adult Detention Facility for processing. Authorities are continuing to investigate Mejia’s involvement in these violent incidents in Joliet.