Loaded 9mm Handgun Found During Traffic Stop: Cops

PALATINE, IL — A Chicago man was arrested Tuesday after officers allegedly founded a loaded handgun belonging to him in the car he was riding in during a traffic stop, according to Palatine police. Fernando Poblete, 20, of the 500 block of East 104th Place, was charged with felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and he was ordered held on $50,000 bond. His next court date is Dec. 1.

The driver of the car — Lamonti Griffin Jr., 21, of the 1900 block of Cambridge Drive — also was cited for marijuana possession of less than 10 grams.

According to police, Poblete and Griffin were pulled over for an equipment violation with their vehicle at around 2 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at North Baldwin Road and East Azalea Lane. Officers asked the men to exit the car after smelling an odor of pot coming from the passenger side, police said.

A search of the car uncovered a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun and an additional loaded magazine within reach of front passenger seat, according to police. Officers determined that the firearm belonged to Poblete, and it was found that he didn't have an Illinois Firearm Owners Identification card.

Fernando Poblete, 20 (Photo via the Palatine Police Department)