JOLIET — Even though the once mighty U.S. Steel plant on Collins Street has been empty for about 40 years, the Joliet Police Department continues to respond to major cases on a regular basis. At the start of July, authorities made a chilling discovery, the body of homeless resident Warren Baker was floating in water inside an old abandoned pump house. Then on Friday morning, officers hauled away Joliet resident Jose Rangel in handcuffs.
Rangel, age 44, was arrested and released on a notice to appear on charges of criminal trespass and possession of burglary tools.
According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English:
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On July 12, at 8:03 a.m., officers responded to the U.S. Steel property at 927 Collins Street after learning that a stolen forklift that was reported to the Joliet Police Department three days earlier, may be on the property.
Officers established a perimeter around the property and saw Rangel, climbing through a hole in the fence on the east side of the property. Rangel was placed into custody without incident.
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Upon search of Rangel, officers recovered flashlights, industrial keys, wrench and pocketknife. Officers determined that Rangel also held an active Will County warrant for failing to appear in court on previous charges.
The stolen forklift was found on the U.S. Steel property and its rightful owner took possession of the equipment.
“Investigation into the theft of the forklift continues to be ongoing,” English announced.
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