JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department reported that 37-year-old Manuel Guerrero, a resident of Kankakee, has been charged with serious offenses including home invasion, domestic battery, two counts of battery, and criminal damage to property following a violent incident on Christmas Eve.
The disturbance unfolded late at night, around 11:21 p.m., at an apartment located in the 600 block of Ruby Street. According to police reports, Guerrero and his girlfriend engaged in a heated argument during a gathering in Elwood, which escalated during their drive back to Joliet. Allegations indicate that Guerrero struck the victim in the head, confiscated her phone, and subsequently threw it in the backseat of the vehicle.
When they arrived at the apartment, the victim attempted to secure herself by locking the door behind her. Guerrero, however, allegedly broke a window in the front door to gain entry. Once inside, he reportedly continued his assault, punching and choking the victim after she defended herself by using pepper spray. Guerrero is said to have retaliated by spraying the victim, her 63-year-old mother, and her 13-year-old daughter with the same spray.
In a desperate attempt to prevent his entry, the victim’s mother was reportedly pushed into a wall by Guerrero during the altercation. The police arrived promptly, separated the parties involved, and secured the scene, leading to Guerrero’s arrest without incident. After being processed at the Joliet Police Department, Guerrero was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility. This arrest marks his fourth incarceration in Will County, following previous stays in 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Despite the severity of the events, the police response highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety of domestic violence victims, reinforcing the importance of reporting such incidents to prevent further escalation.