Man, 18, Found With Cocaine, Loaded Handgun: Police

ORLAND PARK, IL — An 18-year-old Harvey man was arrested by Orland Park police Monday after authorities said they found cocaine, cannabis, a loaded handgun and bullets on him during a routine traffic stop.

Carlos Cortez was in the passenger seat of a vehicle pulled over in the 15600 block of LaGrange Road on Monday. While speaking with the driver, police said an officer noticed an "odor of cannabis" coming from inside the car. Cortez told officers he was with people who were smoking cannabis earlier and that the smell could be coming from his clothes.

Both the driver and Cortez were asked to exit the car, which prompted Cortez to tell officials he was in possession of cannabis, police said in a statement.

Police said a search of Cortez's clothes found nine grams of cannabis, one gram of cocaine and a loaded 9mm magazine. Officials said they then searched the car and found a loaded 9mm Glock handgun under the front passenger seat where Cortez was sitting.

Police told Patch the handgun matched the magazine found on Cortez. The 18-year-old did not have a Firearm Owner Identification or Concealed Carry License.

Cortez was taken to Bridgeview Courthouse where he faces two felonies for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance. He was also issued a municipal ordinance violation for possession of cannabis. The driver of the vehicle was given two tickets.

Cortez posted $1,000 cash as bond to secure his release ahead of trial, police said.