A routine search turned into a felony bust when Sheriff’s Police in Chicago Heights recovered a stolen car, complete with a loaded and illegal firearm beneath the driver's seat, earlier this week, authorities said.
The vehicle, which had been reported stolen, was spotted by officers with its engine running and headlights ablaze, according to a Facebook post by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The driver, caught exiting the car with a bottle of tequila in hand along with the key to the vehicle, was immediately under suspicion; the car was quickly confirmed stolen; and upon further inspection, a loaded gun with a defaced serial number was found tucked away under the driver’s seat.
The discovery escalated the situation as the individual who exited the stolen vehicle had a previous felony conviction and consequently lacked any form of legal authorization to carry the firearm with no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card or Concealed Carry License in their possession. Following the investigation, felony charges were approved.
