Gunfire exchange kills 1

A 17-year-old died after the occupants of two vehicles exchanged gunfire Feb.7 on Republic Avenue in Joliet. Shots were reported at 12:09 p.m. in the 200 block of Republic Avenue, Sgt. Chris Botzum said in a statement.

As police were responding, Jeremiah Frazier was dropped off at nearby Saint Joseph Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Frazier remained in critical condition for a day before succumbing to his injuries on Feb. 9.

"During the course of the investigation, officers were able to determine that two vehicles were driving in opposite directions on Republic Avenue. At one point occupants from both vehicles began firing rounds at each other resulting in the victim being shot while inside one of the vehicles," Botzum said.

Javontae W. Gray, 22, was reportedly identified as the man who dropped Frazier at the hospital and was arrested when he returned a short time later. Gray has been charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and resisting a police officer.

Botzum said detectives also determined Rasean L. Stokes, 18, was also in one of the vehicles. Stokes was arrested Feb. 8 on charges of aggravated discharge of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm.

On Feb. 15, police arrested Jeremiah J. Gavin, 22, on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a felon. Gavin is being held in the Will County jail on $2 million bond. Jail records show Gavin spent six months in the jail in 2018 on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.