Joliet Cocaine Dealer Sits On Loaded Gun Inside Car: Police

JOLIET — A 40-year-old Joliet woman who is involved in the distribution of crack cocaine was arrested by Joliet police in connection with a loaded gun incident, according to the arrest reports.

Latanya Noel was later released on a Notice to Appear on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, at 10:01 p.m. Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop on an Oldsmobile near Water Street and Duncan Street for failure to signal. Noel was a passenger in the vehicle.

Officers saw an open bottle of alcohol in the vehicle, and Noel said it was hers.

Prior to exiting the vehicle, Noel indicated she was sitting on a handgun, according to police.

It was learned that Noel possessed a valid FOID and Concealed Carry License. Officers recovered the loaded handgun after Noel exited the vehicle.

Officers recovered suspected crack cocaine that was located next to the handgun in the vehicle, English said.

Noel was placed into custody without incident. Noel was searched at the Joliet Police Department and officers recovered additional suspected crack cocaine that appeared to be packaged for sale, according to officials.

Officers confiscated Noel’s FOID card and Concealed Carry License due to being in possession of a controlled substance while in possession of her handgun, police said.