Evanston police say a late-night check on a pair of parked cars turned into a felony case after officers reported finding drugs and handguns near a vacant property on the city’s west side. Four people were ultimately charged after a weekend stop in the 1100 block of McDaniel Avenue, where officers responded to a call about several people in hoodies and face masks hanging around two vehicles.
When officers approached, they reported smelling marijuana and searched one of the cars, which had five people inside. Police say six people were taken into custody from the scene in total, and that two of them were later released without charges.
What Police Say They Found
According to FOX 32 Chicago, officers recovered marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and other suspected controlled substances from backpacks inside the vehicle. Police also seized a .357 Magnum from the passenger side of the car and later reported finding a loaded .45-caliber handgun hidden in a backpack during a property search at the Evanston police station.
The report identified three Chicago men among those arrested, including 20-year-old Moe Kyaw and 20-year-old Jayden Herrera, and said a 17-year-old was charged with aggravated possession of a weapon.
Charges And Legal Context
Police announced a mix of counts that include armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon, and drug-possession allegations. Under Illinois law, armed violence is charged when a person commits a felony while armed with a dangerous weapon; see the Illinois General Assembly.
Psilocybin is still listed under the state’s Controlled Substances Act, which keeps possession and distribution illegal in most situations; see the Illinois General Assembly.
Court Dates And Next Steps
FOX 32 Chicago reports Kyaw is due in court on May 20, while Herrera has a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The 17-year-old is set to appear in juvenile court.
Police say the vehicle was seized and impounded pending an administrative hearing, and that the three Chicago men were released before their next scheduled appearances. Prosecutors are expected to review the case file and decide which charges to press at upcoming hearings.
Why It Matters Locally
A March press release from the City of Evanston described a long-term narcotics investigation and earlier drug seizures by the department’s Special Operations Group. Officials said that earlier enforcement work, along with the seizure in this case, reflects the department’s current focus on disrupting street-level distribution.
Police added that they will continue processing the arrests and seized property through administrative and court channels as investigators finalize the case.
