2 Guns, 28 Grams Of Crack Cocaine Seized In Evanston Arrest

EVANSTON, IL — An Evanston man was arrested last week after selling crack cocaine to an undercover police officer, according to law enforcement.

As part of a larger, ongoing investigation that is targeting street-level narcotics, the Evanston Police Department carried out a search warrant that resulted in the recovery of two guns and 28 grams of crack cocaine.

The guns, a 9 mm Smith & Wesson handgun and a .22-caliber North American Arms handgun, will be further investigated to determine if they are linked to other criminal activity, police said. The suspect, 41-year-old Laron Nelson, was taken into custody without further incident.

"The search warrant was executed as part of a broader, ongoing investigation targeting street-level narcotics activity. The investigation included Nelson selling crack cocaine to an undercover police officer," EPD said in a statement.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and charged Nelson with:

• unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon
• four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance
• possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver
• possession of a controlled substance
• unlawful possession of ammunition

Nelson's next court date is scheduled for Sept. 4 at the Skokie Courthouse.

Evanston residents were encouraged to report suspected drug activity by calling 847-866-5055 or texting CRIMES (274637) and starting the message