A late-night drive through Chicago Heights ended with felony charges for a 22-year-old man after Cook County sheriff’s investigators said they found a loaded firearm and suspected cannabis during a traffic stop.
Authorities said the incident began as a routine traffic violation but quickly turned into a criminal investigation after deputies discovered the weapon inside the vehicle.
Deputies Stop Maserati for Traffic Violation
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, deputies with the Sheriff’s Police Organized Crime Division stopped a black Maserati Ghibli around 11:05 p.m. last Monday in the 200 block of West 14th Place in Chicago Heights.
Investigators said the vehicle was pulled over after deputies observed the driver failing to use a turn signal.
During the traffic stop, deputies searched the vehicle and allegedly recovered a loaded handgun along with a substance they believed to be cannabis.
Driver Identified as Chicago Heights Man
Authorities identified the driver as 22-year-old Benjamin Sanchez of Chicago Heights.
Investigators said Sanchez did not have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or a concealed carry license, which are required under Illinois law for legal firearm possession.
He was also cited for the alleged traffic violation involving failure to use a turn signal.
Following the discovery of the firearm and suspected cannabis, Sanchez was taken into custody.
Felony Weapon Charge Filed
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges against Sanchez following the investigation.
Prosecutors filed:
- Felony unlawful possession of a weapon
- Misdemeanor unlawful possession of cannabis
The charges were formally filed on July 14, according to officials.
At Sanchez’s first court appearance, a judge ordered him into the Chief Judge’s Pretrial Electronic Monitoring Program while the case moves forward.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office also reminded the public that Sanchez, like all defendants, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
South Suburban Traffic Stops Continue to Uncover Firearms
Officials said the Chicago Heights stop reflects a larger trend in the south suburbs, where traffic violations have increasingly led to firearm discoveries.
Authorities have reported several similar cases in recent months where routine stops resulted in the recovery of illegal weapons.
Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize that drivers carrying firearms must follow state requirements, including obtaining proper identification and licenses.
Illinois Firearm Laws Carry Serious Penalties
Under Illinois law, possessing a firearm without the required FOID card or carrying a weapon under prohibited circumstances can result in serious criminal charges.
Penalties for unlawful firearm possession can vary depending on factors such as:
- Whether the firearm was loaded
- Whether the weapon was accessible
- The person’s eligibility to possess a firearm
- Any previous criminal history or additional circumstances
The state’s firearm regulations are governed by Illinois criminal statutes and FOID requirements administered by the Illinois State Police.
Case Moves Forward
Sanchez is scheduled to return to the Markham Courthouse for additional proceedings as prosecutors and the court determine the next steps in the case.
The pretrial electronic monitoring program is overseen by the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional court updates are expected as the case progresses.
