Joliet Driver Faces Aggravated Assault Charges

Roiber Hernandez-Lira, 27, was released from the Will County Jail on Wednesday after spending two days in custody following his arrest by Joliet police. The man, who also goes by Robert, faces three counts of aggravated assault connected to an incident at a local tavern.

According to court filings, the incident occurred on Aug. 8 at the Mil Amores Sports Bar, located at 1527 N. Raynor St. Hernandez-Lira drove a light blue Hyundai into the building's door, striking a private security guard who was standing there. The complaint alleges he operated the vehicle in a way that placed the guard in reasonable apprehension of being hit.

The first charge relies on the use of the car as a dangerous weapon. The second charge specifies that Hernandez-Lira knew the victim was a private security officer and struck him in retaliation for the guard performing his official duties. The third count asserts the assault took place at a place of public accommodation.

A warrant for his arrest issued this week lists his residence as the 200 block of Union Street in Joliet. The case was initially presented to Will County prosecutors, who determined that the evidence supported the aggravated assault filings rather than minor charges.

The release from jail came after the initial hold following his arrest. The specific details of the collision and the guard's injuries are detailed in the complaint, which serves as the basis for the three distinct legal counts now pending against Hernandez-Lira.