The Cook County Sheriff's Police recently apprehended a dangerous individual carrying an untraceable firearm, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” According to a Facebook post by the department, officers conducted a traffic stop today in River North, Illinois, due to the vehicle's expired and suspended registration stemming from a lack of insurance. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered a ghost gun with an attached switch, making it automatic, and an extended magazine loaded with ammunition hidden under the passenger's seat.
Ghost guns, often assembled from parts purchased online, are notably absent of any serial numbers, making them virtually untraceable.
The passenger in this traffic stop was charged as an Armed Habitual Criminal, a class X felony.
For those who have not closely followed this issue, the proliferation of ghost guns within the United States has skyrocketed primarily due to the accessibility of the necessary parts and the relative ease of assembly. Ghost guns, in turn, have become increasingly common in criminal activity, causing significant difficulties for law enforcement as they strive to keep communities safe.
