Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested, Charged With Gun Possession

EVANSTON, IL — A domestic disturbance call in Evanston turned into a gun arrest last week, police announced over the weekend.

The Evanston Police Department responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1400 block of Brown Avenue on June 26 at 11:31 p.m. While on the way to the home, officers were told the man involved in the incident was possibly inside his car outside.

When officers arrived, they found 43-year-old Jay L. Clifton sitting inside a 2015 Dodge. While speaking with Clifton, police said they noticed a black handgun in plain view on the front passenger seat.

"Officers ordered the male to exit the vehicle, and he subsequently complied and was placed into custody," EPD said in a statement.

Police recovered a black Bersa S.A. Model 97, semi-automatic .380 caliber handgun from the vehicle. Authorities then brought Clifton was transported to the police department for further investigation,

During an interview, Clifton acknowledged to police that he was in possession of the handgun and believed it was in a properly functioning state. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and approved one felony count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat offender.

Clifton appeared in court on Saturday at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse for a detention hearing.