Man accused in hostage situation in Joliet Township facing felony charges

WILL COUNTY, Ill. — A man is facing a slew of felony charges following a hostage situation that allegedly unfolded at a home in Joliet Township on Monday afternoon.

Deputies say 46-year-old George Hall has been charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful restraint, one count of possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, one count of unlawful use or possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of illegal possession of ammunition.

The charges were handed down shortly after Will County Sheriff’s deputies say they were first dispatched to the 700 block of Pontiac Street around 1:30 p.m. following a 911 call that two people were being held hostage in a home in the area.

Once they arrived on the scene, deputies said a “distressed” female was able to safely flee from the residence. Moments later, a male ran down the stairs and also fled to safety.

After fleeing from the home, the victims told police that a male relative, who was allegedly armed with a loaded handgun, had been holding them against their will inside the residence.

Just moments after the male victim exited the home, deputies said Hall emerged from the home and was taken into custody.

Following a search of the home, deputies recovered a loaded 9mm handgun that allegedly had a defaced serial number.

Following his arrest, Hall was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.