Buffalo Grove Traffic Stop Leads To Weapon, DUI Charges

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Two Wheeling men were arrested during a traffic stop Saturday in Buffalo Grove after originally being pulled over for speeding on Buffalo Grove Road near Bernard Drive, according to a release from the Buffalo Grove Police Department. Police said further investigation resulted in the arrest of driver, Rafael Rodriguez Jr., of the 1500 block of Sanders Court, accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. Eduardo A. Leon, of the 1200 block of Mae Court, was identified as the passenger in the car, according to police.

Police recovered a .22 caliber revolver containing several fired cartridges in the eight-round chamber from the car, and a computer check showed the gun was stolen out of Detroit in 1969, according to the release. Leon said the gun was his, but did not have a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) or a Concealed Carry License at the time, and was arrested by police, the release said.

According to police, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (no FOID/CCL) for Leon, and his court date has been set for June 28.

Rodriquez has a court date of July 9, 2019. Police said Rodriguez was released on a recognizance bond after being charged with speeding over statutory limit, and two counts of DUI/alcohol.

"This is a classic example in that there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop, and additionally, traffic stops often lead to the discovery of serious crimes,” said Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steven Casstevens, in the release.