Evanston Police Arrest Man Following Foot Chase

EVANSTON, IL — A traffic stop in Evanston led to a short foot chase and an arrest of a man on Sunday, according to police.

Officers on patrol in the 600 block of Mulford Street noticed a silver Pontiac idling in front of a fire hydrant at about 8:15 p.m. According to the officers, the car stayed in the spot for more than 15 minutes, so they decided to approach.

When they got closer, the officers said they could smell "fresh and burnt cannabis" coming from the vehicle. The car had a driver and two passengers inside.

"As officers approached, the driver, later identified as Brian Franklin, a 21-year-old male, leaned forward toward the floorboard," police said in a statement.

After reportedly seeing cannabis packaging in the car, officers asked Franklin to exit the vehicle. Franklin then "became increasingly nervous" and attempted to flee on foot before he was apprehended.

A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock 22 handgun on the floorboard, according to police, and Franklin was arrested. The car was towed and the passengers were released, officers said.

Further investigation reveled Franklin did not have a firearm owner's identification document or a concealed carry license.

The Cook County State's Attorney's office reviewed the investigation and approved felony weapons charges. Authorities said Franklin also had an active arrest warrant from Cook County.

Franklin was charged with:

• one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon.
• one felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon in a vehicle.
• one misdemeanor count of obstructing a peace officer.
• one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license.