A police officer was injured during a struggle with an 18-year-old man, who was wearing a ski mask and in possession of a ghost gun, at a parking garage in Waukegan, prosecutors said.
Oswaldo Medina-Jimenez, 18, of the 2100 block of Dickey Avenue in North Chicago, was charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and resisting a peace officer causing injury.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Russell Caskey said a Waukegan police officer was on routine patrol around 11:20 p.m. Saturday.
The officer was checking on a closed parking garage at 225 North County Street.
The officer located a white SUV on the top level with its doors open and began investigating.
As the officer approached, the driver put the car into reverse but did not leave the scene.
The car was occupied by a driver and two passengers, including Medina-Jimenez, who was in the backseat, Caskey said.
The officer noticed an odor of cannabis emitting from the vehicle.
Caskey said that Medina-Jimenez was wearing a ski mask and wearing a satchel over his shoulder, prompting the officer to ask the occupants if anyone had weapons.
Medina-Jimenez allegedly tried running away but the officer grabbed onto the man’s shirt.
Medina-Jimenez pulled on the officer’s sleeve cuffs so tightly that it left bruises on the officer’s biceps, Caskey said.
The officer took Medina-Jimenez to the ground and grabbed his satchel, believing there was a gun in it.
A P80-style ghost gun was found inside the satchel, Caskey said. The gun had a laser attachment and no serial number.
Medina-Jimenez was arrested and transported to the police department where he admitted to purchasing the firearm online and building it, Caskey said.
Medina-Jimenez is under 21 and has no Firearm Owners Identification card.
Lake County Judge Bolling Haxall ordered Medina-Jimenez held on a $50,000 bond.
Medina-Jimenez was released from the Lake County Jail after posting 10% of his bond.
A status of attorney hearing is scheduled for September 7.