JOLIET TOWNSHIP, IL – A disturbing case of alleged child abuse and abandonment has resulted in the arrest of a Joliet Township man after a toddler was found injured and alone inside a 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 to the incident.
Alarming Discovery at Local Bar
At approximately 7:35 p.m., deputies responded to a 911 call from the 1800 block of East Washington Street, where a citizen reported a toddler left unattended inside a bar. According to the report, the child’s father had entered the establishment and asked patrons to watch his young child before exiting.
Shocked by the situation, a concerned individual quickly alerted authorities after noticing that the child appeared injured. Witnesses described the toddler as having dried blood around the mouth and nose, raising immediate concern about possible physical abuse.
Evidence of Injury
Upon arrival, Will County deputies assessed the child and reviewed photographs provided by the reporting witness. These images clearly showed signs of facial trauma, including blood around the nose and upper lip. Investigators allege that the injuries were consistent with being kicked, and are believed to have been inflicted by the child’s father.
The child, whose identity and exact age were not disclosed for privacy reasons, was treated by medical personnel. Authorities did not specify the child’s current condition but confirmed the injuries were non-life-threatening.
Arrest of the Suspect
Roughly 90 minutes after leaving the toddler, the suspect—identified as Steven W. Canady—returned to the bar. Deputies immediately took him into custody without incident.
Following interviews and a preliminary investigation, Canady was formally charged with:
- Child Abandonment
- Domestic Battery
- Endangering the Life or Health of a Child
He was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility, where he awaits arraignment. Bond information has not yet been released.
Legal Consequences
Each charge carries significant legal ramifications under Illinois law. Endangering the life or health of a child and domestic battery can result in serious jail time, especially when paired with evidence of physical harm. The child abandonment charge, while sometimes considered a lesser offense, is compounded by the dangerous setting and apparent neglect in this case.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
In a brief statement, the Will County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the seriousness of the allegations:
“The safety and well-being of children in our community is a top priority. This incident could have ended far worse if not for the swift actions of a concerned citizen and our responding deputies.”
The case remains under active investigation, and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has reportedly been notified and is now involved in the child’s welfare assessment.
Child Protective Action
The toddler has since been removed from the father’s custody, and officials are working to ensure the child’s long-term safety. Additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of medical evaluations and further investigative findings.
🚨 Public Call to Action
Authorities are encouraging anyone who witnessed the incident or may have additional information regarding Steven W. Canady’s behavior before or after the event to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Will County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (815) 727-8575.
This tragic and troubling case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and swift reporting in protecting vulnerable individuals—especially children—who are unable to protect themselves.
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