Evanston Police Find Gurnee Teen With Stolen Gun, Extended Magazines In Late-Night Stop

EVANSTON, IL — A Gurnee resident faces firearm felony charges following the discovery of a stolen gun with a pair of extended magazines last week in Evanston, police said.

Alante Waters, 19, of the 800 block of Charles Avenue, was charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after officers found an illegal gun and ammunition during a traffic stop, according to police.

While on patrol in an area that has experienced a recent increase in burglaries and catalytic converter thefts, officers noticed a Nissan with three people inside parked in the 700 block of Seward Street around 12:30 a.m.

Police reported they smelled cannabis coming from the car. When officers approached and spoke with the occupants, they could see marijuana inside.

A search of the Nissan led to the discovery of a PSA Dagger 9mm handgun and two empty 31-round extended magazines, police said. A single live 9mm round was found on the driver’s side floorboard.

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Authorities said the firearm had been reported stolen from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Waters, who does not have a valid Firearm Owners Identification card or a Concealed Carry License, was arrested and taken to the Evanston Police Department.

The two passengers in the vehicle were briefly detained during the investigation but later released at the scene without charges. The cannabis found in the vehicle was recovered and inventoried, police said.

Although such extended magazines are banned under the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which defines and bans "assault weapons" and "large capacity ammunition feeding devices," Waters has not been charged under the law.

Waters was released following an initial court appearance. He is due back in court on Jan. 29 in Skokie.