'Documented' Gang Member Kept Loaded Revolver Inside Glove Box: Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department said an overnight arrest on Western Avenue over the weekend has resulted in the recovery of a loaded gun from a felon.

Joliet police booked 40-year-old Cortez D. Lain of Joliet into the Will County Jail on charges of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon by a street gang member, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of a weapon, no Firearm Owner’s Identification and unlawful use of cannabis in a motor vehicle, as well as citations for no valid driver’s license and improper lane usage.

Police noted that his 17-year-old son, a juvenile from Flossmoor, was cited for violating a Joliet City Ordinance regarding the possession of tobacco or alternative nicotine products by minors.

As for the events leading to the arrest of Lain, Joliet police spokesman Tizoc Landeros said that around 1:30 a.m. June 27, officers saw a black Volkswagen swerving between lanes in the 100 block of Western Avenue.

According to police, when the officers made contact with the driver, Cortez D. Lain, he said he had a suspended driver’s license. Lain was asked to get out of the vehicle, and he complied. An officer noticed a bulge in Lain’s side pants pocket, and Lain said the bulge contained cannabis, which was not stored in a legally sealed container, according to the arrest reports.

The front passenger, Lain's minor son, was also asked to get out of the vehicle, and he complied. The officer saw an electronic smoking device on the seat. A search was conducted on the 17-year-old, during which a nicotine smoking device was found in his pant pocket, police said.

The officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded revolver in the glove compartment, according to police. Lain and his son were arrested and transported to the Joliet police booking area.

A check on Lain was conducted through the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, which revealed that he is a documented gang member and a convicted felon, Landeros said.

Lain claimed ownership of the cannabis and gun found in the vehicle, the arrest report showed. Lain's son was cited and released. Lain was processed and subsequently taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility without any incidents.