Two convicted felons were arrested after they allegedly fled from police while possessing loaded guns in North Chicago on Friday, prosecutors said.
Jaquan L. Cutrer, 38, of North Chicago, was charged with possession of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance and two counts of resisting a peace officer.
Edward J. Sims, 46, of Beach Park, was charged with possession of a firearm, two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of disregarding a stop sign, driving on a suspended license, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and fleeing or attempting to elude police.
A North Chicago police officer on Friday saw a vehicle run two stop signs, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Lillian Lewis said during a bond hearing.
The vehicle, allegedly driven by Sims and occupied by Cutrer, did not pull over for police.
Officers later stopped the vehicle and Cutrer exited and ran away, Lewis said.
Police arrested Cutrer and found approximately 12 grams of cocaine, which field tested positive, that he allegedly threw while fleeing.
Officers also found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the path that Cutrer was running, Lewis said.
The gun was a “ghost gun” and had 13 rounds with one in the chamber.
Sims stayed in the vehicle when it was stopped.
When he exited, officers saw a loaded handgun sticking out from under the driver’s seat, Lewis said.
Both Cutrer and Sims are convicted felons and they did not possess a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or concealed carry permit, Lewis added.
Lake County Judge Elizabeth Rochford set bond at $250,000 for both men.
Cutrer remains held at the Lake County Jail and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 17.
Sims was bailed out on Monday, court records show. A status hearing for him is scheduled for Wednesday.