Joliet Officer Jeremy Harrison Placed on Leave Amid Investigation

BREAKING: A Joliet police lieutenant has been placed on administrative leave as a significant investigation unfolds. Lt. Jeremy Harrison is currently off-duty amid scrutiny by the city’s inspector general, Beth Beatty announced during a Joliet City Council meeting on October 23, 2023. This decision comes as part of an ongoing investigation into Harrison’s involvement in the controversial 2020 in-custody death of Eric Lurry.

City Manager Beatty refrained from detailing the reasons for Harrison’s leave, stating, “The investigation is ongoing. I don’t know what it will find.” The urgency of this situation has drawn significant public attention, particularly given the sensitive nature of Lurry’s death, which has sparked widespread criticism regarding police conduct.

Police Chief William Evans also declined to comment, directing inquiries to Inspector General Stephen DiNolfo. DiNolfo, hired in June, has previously conducted internal investigations within the Joliet Police Department. However, this is the first public-facing inquiry he is overseeing.

In January 2020, Eric Lurry died while in police custody after consuming a lethal mix of drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. His widow, Nicole Lurry, has since filed a lawsuit against the city and four police officers, including Harrison. A federal judge recently denied the city’s motion to dismiss the case, highlighting the critical delay in calling for medical assistance during Lurry’s overdose.

Witnesses and advocates have condemned the police’s response during the incident, raising serious questions about the treatment of individuals in custody. The ongoing investigation into Lt. Harrison is expected to further scrutinize the events surrounding Lurry’s tragic death.

As this investigation continues, the community is on alert for updates. Authorities have yet to provide a timeline for when findings will be released, but the implications of this case are profound, affecting both public trust in law enforcement and the legal landscape for police accountability.

Residents and officials alike are eager for resolution as the city grapples with the fallout from this deeply troubling incident. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.