Evanston police officers recovered two loaded handguns in separate incidents on Aug. 3 and 4.
On Aug. 3, at approximately 6:55 p.m., members of the Police Department’s tactical unit conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by four individuals in the 1800 block of Dodge Avenue. During the course of the stop, a 16-year old Evanston resident in the back seat exited the vehicle and dropped a loaded Para-Ordinance .45 caliber handgun on the ground, said Commander Joseph Dugan of the Evanston Police Department. The youth was taken into custody, transported to the police station, and subsequently charged with Unlawful Use of Weapon/Public Way – Class 4 Felony, and related charges.
In an unrelated incident on Aug. 4, at approximately 12:05 a.m., patrol officers observed several individuals in Beck Park, 2428 Emerson St., after closing hours. The officers approached the individuals at which time one youth, an 18-year old from Chicago, fled on foot. A police officer who was chasing the youth, saw the youth reach into his waistband and bend over as he was running, said the Commander.
When the officer caught up with the youth, the youth turned and squared up with officer, causing the officer to draw his taser and give the youth verbal commands to stop. The youth did not comply and the officer deployed his taser, which had an immediate affect on the youth, and the officer was able to take him into custody, said the Commander.
Upon checking, a loaded Sar Arms 9mm handgun was located in the area where the officer observed the youth reach into his waistband and bend over, said the Commander. The youth was charged with City ordinance violations and resisting a peace officer. The recovered handgun was sent to the crime laboratory for further analysis.