Joliet Tavern Incident: Driver Accused of Using Car as Weapon

Roiber Hernandez-Lira allegedly turned his vehicle into a weapon to strike a private security officer at a Joliet sports bar. The incident, which prosecutors describe as an aggressive act of retaliation, occurred on Aug. 8. Hernandez-Lira, who also goes by the name Robert, was recently released from the Will County Jail after being held for two days.

According to court files, the 27-year-old operated a light blue Hyundai in a manner that caused the victim to reasonably fear being struck. He accelerated the car, driving it directly into the door of the building where the security guard was standing. The victim was on duty at the Mil Amores Sports Bar, located at 1527 N. Raynor St.

Hernandez-Lira now faces three counts of aggravated assault. The second charge specifies that he knew the victim was a private security officer and attacked him in retaliation for performing his official duties. The third charge notes that the assault took place at a place of public accommodation.

The warrant for his arrest, issued this week, lists Hernandez-Lira's residence in the 200 block of Union Street in Joliet. He regained his freedom following his arrest by Joliet police.

The case centers on the physical impact of the vehicle against the tavern structure and the specific intent behind the maneuver. Prosecutors argue the use of the car elevated the severity of the assault beyond a standard physical altercation.