Joliet to honor man who helped officer subdue suspects
July 6, 2012 1:46PM
Updated: August 9, 2012 9:28AM
JOLIET — A Joliet man will receive a Medal of Valor from Joliet Mayor Tom Giarrante and Police Chief Mike Trafton after injuries he received as he tried to help a police officer break up a domestic disturbance last month.
Justin Hurley was visiting a friend when he responded to a female neighbor’s cries for help as she and her child were allegedly being beaten by two men. As Hurley attempted to break up the disturbance, the men began attacking him and a Joliet police officer.
Hurley fought to restrain one suspect while the officer wrestled with the other suspect and took him in to custody.
According to police reports, bystanders gathering to watch the incident were cheering for the two men who were beating the woman and her child.
“Thanks to Mr. Hurley’s assistance, the first attacker was arrested and charged with two counts of domestic battery and one count of aggravated battery to a police officer,” Trafton said. “The second attacker was also charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and both were confined at the Will County Jail.”
Hurley, who is a part-time tow truck driver, suffered a broken hand and does not have health insurance. The injury also left him unable to work.
Giarrante and Trafton are planning a fundraiser to help offset Hurley’s medical costs and to assist him while he is unable to work.
The award will be presented to Hurley at the 6:30 p.m. July 17 Joliet City Council meeting.
The fundraiser will be 5-8 p.m. July 25 at Heroes West Sports Grill, Interstate 80 and Houbolt Road in Joliet. Tickets cost $20.
