Man arrested after returning to newly opened dispensary on West Jefferson
JOLIET — Officers from the Joliet Police Department arrested a 39-year-old Chicago man Saturday evening after employees at the city's recently opened Bisa Lina cannabis dispensary reported he had returned to the property after being banned earlier in the day.
Police spokesman Dwayne English said officers responded at 8:39 p.m. July 12 to the dispensary at 2121 W. Jefferson St. Employees told officers the man, identified as Jesus Zermeno, had been formally advised by police earlier that day that he was no longer permitted on the property. Staff also reported observing Zermeno urinating behind the business.
- Incident time: 8:39 p.m., July 12
- Location: Bisa Lina Dispensary, 2121 W. Jefferson St., Joliet
- Person arrested: Jesus Zermeno, 39, of Chicago
- Charges: Criminal trespass and disorderly conduct
According to English, officers located Zermeno on the property and took him into custody "without incident." During the arrest, he allegedly directed profanities toward employees. He was processed at the Joliet Police Department and released on a Notice to Appear in court.
"Officers were called after employees reported the subject had returned to the property after being banned," police spokesman Dwayne English said.
What this means for the neighborhood
Bisa Lina held a soft opening on April 1 after announcing plans to open a second location in Joliet. City leaders and residents have cited the store as a contributor to local jobs and to the cannabis tax base. An incident that requires police response can raise questions among neighbors and business owners about safety, customer conduct and property policies as the West Jefferson corridor continues to evolve.
For now, police handled the situation with an arrest and a citation rather than prolonged disturbance. The employer's prompt contact with officers and the department's response reflect routine enforcement of trespass and disorderly conduct laws at a business that has been in the community only a few months.
Incident summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 12 |
| Time | 8:39 p.m. |
| Location | 2121 W. Jefferson St., Joliet |
| Arrestee | Jesus Zermeno, 39, Chicago |
| Charges | Criminal trespass; disorderly conduct |
| Disposition | Processed and released on Notice to Appear |
As the West Jefferson corridor continues its commercial changes, incidents like this are a reminder that local businesses, patrons and law enforcement all play a role in maintaining public order. City residents can expect police to continue enforcing bans and trespass laws at retail sites when employees report repeat or disruptive behavior.
