Police raid Joliet home, arrest suspect in narcotics probe

Joliet Police Department officials executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Eunice Avenue on Thursday morning. The operation resulted in the arrest of Cesar Hurtado, 35, and the seizure of multiple firearms and controlled substances.

Detective Dwayne English confirmed the raid in a press release issued after the warrant was executed. The Narcotics Unit identified Hurtado as a suspect in an investigation into illegal drug sales. At 6:41 a.m., a joint force comprising the Narcotics Unit, Tactical Unit, K9 Unit, Neighborhood Policing Team, Patrol Division, and Will County Sheriff’s Office entered the home.

During the search, officers recovered four handguns. One of the weapons was stolen and equipped with a firearm conversion device, known as a switch, which allows for automatic fire. Investigators also found numerous rounds of live ammunition and extended magazines.

The team seized over 100 grams of suspected cocaine and more than six pounds of suspected cannabis. English stated these items were recovered during the house raid that followed the suspect’s identification.

Officers stopped Hurtado for a traffic violation shortly before the warrant execution. They took him into custody during that stop. He was subsequently processed at the Joliet Police Department and transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

Prosecutors charged Hurtado with Armed Violence, a Class X felony. He also faces two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver. Additional charges include Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Defacing Identification Marks of Firearm, Endangering Life or Health of a Child, and a Safe Gun Storage Act Violation.