Admitted Gang Member Faces Felony Gun Charges Following Fight

PALATINE, IL — An admitted gang member faces felony gun charges after authorities broke up a fight the teen was involved in Friday, according to Palatine police. Alex Sanchez, 19, of the 1500 block of Crimson Lane in unincorperated Palatine, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a gang member and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he allegedly was found with a loaded firearm and no firearm owners ID or concealed carry license, police said in a statement Tuesday.

According to police, officers responded to a call just before 5 p.m. Friday, April 27, concerning a fight in the 1200 block of East Inverrary Lane. Several individuals were brawling with baseball bats and pieces of wood, authorities said.

The first officer to arrive at the scene was a member of the Palatine Police Department's gang unit who already was in the area, according to police. That officer saw Sanchez allegedly holding a handgun before the teen began to run from the scene, police said.

The officer ordered Sanchez to stop, and a foot chase ensued, authorities said. Sanchez eventually was apprehended by the gang officer and other uniformed cops, and the teen was allegedly carrying a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, according to police.

Sanchez was ordered held on $10,000 bail Sunday, and he was released on bond.

Alex Sanchez (Photo via Palatine Police Department)