A Thursday afternoon encounter in Ford Heights turned into a foot chase and a felony gun case, after Cook County Sheriff’s Police say a 31-year-old man bolted from investigators and was caught with a loaded handgun on him.
Authorities identified the suspect as Frankie Agnew and say Organized Crime investigators recovered a firearm with a loaded extended magazine on his person. The Cook County State’s Attorney approved a felony charge of felon in possession, and Agnew had an initial court appearance at the Markham courthouse. Officials said the encounter unfolded in the 1300 block of East Lincoln Highway at about 3:35 p.m.
According to a post by the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Organized Crime investigators first saw Agnew with what “appeared to be a firearm” and say he took off running before officers caught up and took him into custody. The sheriff’s post says investigators then found the loaded weapon with an extended magazine and that Agnew, a convicted felon, did not have a valid FOID or concealed-carry license.
South Suburban Sweeps And Weapons Seizures
Sheriff Tom Dart’s Organized Crime unit has been running similar operations across the south suburbs in recent months, turning up firearms and suspected narcotics in targeted raids. NBC Chicago reported a January sweep that recovered multiple firearms and other items, and the sheriff’s office has detailed past Ford Heights investigations on its website.
Charges And Legal Stakes
The Cook County State’s Attorney approved the felon-in-possession charge, and Agnew remained in custody after an initial hearing at the Markham courthouse, according to the sheriff’s post. Under Illinois law, a person convicted of a felony who knowingly possesses a firearm can be charged under Article 24 of the Criminal Code, which makes such possession unlawful and carries penalties that increase in certain circumstances.
The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing and that more details will be released as they become available. Agnew remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
