An identified gang member from Aurora is in custody after a routine traffic stop resulted in police identifying a cache of illegal weapons in his vehicle.
On Tuesday at approximately 5:43pm, Aurora Police Special Operations Group investigators conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado in the 0–100 block of South West Street after observing the driver commit a non-moving violation.
During the stop, officers observed a loaded drum-style magazine in plain view on the center console. The driver, a 21-year-old male, and his 19-year-old male passenger were taken into custody.
A search of the truck recovered:
- A tan Glock 19X handgun concealed beneath the center console
- Two loaded drum-style magazines containing 45 live rounds
- A Glock handgun case with an additional magazine containing 15 live rounds
Neither occupant of the vehicle possessed a valid FOID card or Concealed Carry License. The driver was confirmed to be a documented gang member.
Following a review with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, the driver was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Gang Member, a Class 2 Felony; Possession of Ammunition without a FOID Card, a Class 3 Felony; Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No Concealed Carry, a Class 4 Felony; Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No FOID, a Class 4 Felony; and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Ammunition Immediately Accessible, a Class 4 Felony.
He was also cited for not wearing a seatbelt. The passenger was released without charges.
“This case is a strong example of how proactive policing keeps our city safer,” said Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas. “Taking a firearm, multiple high-capacity magazines, and dozens of rounds of ammunition out of the hands of a documented gang member is a direct win for public safety. I commend our investigators for their vigilance and quick action.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500.
