A troubling incident involving alleged child abuse and abandonment has led to the arrest of a Joliet Township man after a toddler was found injured and unattended inside a local bar. The Will County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) confirmed that 45-year-old Steven W. Canady was taken into custody on July 28, 2025, in connection with the incident.
**Disturbing Discovery at Local Establishment
At approximately 7:35 p.m., Will County deputies responded to a 911 call from a bar located in the 1800 block of East Washington Street in Joliet Township. A concerned citizen reported that a toddler had been left alone inside the establishment. According to witnesses, the child’s father, later identified as Canady, entered the bar, asked patrons to watch his young child, and then left the premises.
The situation escalated when a patron noticed visible injuries on the toddler, including dried blood around the mouth and nose, prompting immediate concern about possible physical abuse. The citizen quickly alerted authorities, leading to a swift response from the Sheriff’s Office.
**Evidence of Harm
Upon arrival, deputies assessed the toddler and reviewed photographs provided by the reporting witness. The images showed clear signs of facial trauma, with blood visible around the child’s nose and upper lip. Investigators determined that the injuries were consistent with physical assault, allegedly inflicted by Canady. The toddler, whose identity and exact age remain confidential to protect their privacy, was promptly attended to by medical personnel. Authorities confirmed that the injuries, while serious, were not life-threatening.
**Suspect Apprehended
Approximately 90 minutes after leaving the child, Steven W. Canady returned to the bar, where deputies were waiting. He was taken into custody without incident. Following interviews and a preliminary investigation, Canady was charged with:
– Child Abandonment
– Domestic Battery
– Endangering the Life or Health of a Child
Canady was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility, where he awaits arraignment. Details regarding bond have not been disclosed.
**Legal Implications
Under Illinois law, the charges against Canady carry significant consequences. Domestic battery and endangering the life or health of a child are serious offenses, particularly when evidence of physical harm is present. The child abandonment charge is further aggravated by the dangerous environment in which the toddler was left. Depending on the case’s progression, Canady could face substantial penalties, including potential jail time.
**Sheriff’s Office Response
The Will County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement underscoring the gravity of the incident:
“The protection of children in our community is paramount. Thanks to the quick actions of a vigilant citizen and our dedicated deputies, this situation was addressed promptly, preventing a potentially worse outcome.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) now involved to assess the child’s welfare and ensure their safety.
**Child Protective Measures
The toddler has been removed from Canady’s custody and is under the care of appropriate authorities. DCFS is working to secure a safe and stable environment for the child moving forward. Additional charges may be filed as medical evaluations and further investigative findings provide more clarity.
**Community Call for Information
The Will County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident or Canady’s actions before or after the event to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Investigations Division at (815) 727-8575 to provide details that may assist in the case.
This unsettling incident highlights the critical role of community awareness and rapid reporting in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly children, who rely on others for protection. The Will County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents as the investigation unfolds.