Earlier today, a Chicago convicted felon on parole was arrested in Naperville, Illinois, charged with illegal possession of a firearm. According to a report from the Naperville Police Department and the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Ronald Richardson, aged 34, was charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.
Police officers in Naperville spotted the Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun loaded with nineteen rounds in the driver's side compartment of a parked vehicle. Richardson's criminal record, which includes an Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon Conviction, highlights the seriousness of the charges.
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin acknowledged the significance of this arrest and mentioned that public safety remains the top priority of his administration during a press release. He went on to express his concerns about the troubling nature of this case, where a convicted felon allegedly possessed a loaded firearm at a family-friendly recreation facility.
The Naperville Chief of Police, Jason Arres, also spoke to the importance of proactive policing for the purpose of ensuring community safety. He credited the officers for their proactive efforts, which undeniably contributed to the seizure of the illegal firearm and the arrest of Richardson, thereby reducing the risk of a future tragedy with such a weapon. Arres thanked DuPage County State's Attorney's Office for their ongoing collaboration and support for the Naperville Police Department's mission.
Richardson, the accused, is set to appear in court for his arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander on October 23, 2023.
