A man was found with a ghost gun, dynamite and commercial-grade fireworks after he stopped his car — while wearing a ski mask — to film police officers on a traffic stop in Zion.
Christopher Cox, 33, of Waukegan, was charged with three counts of felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of transferring explosive material without a license, possession of a defaced firearm, possession of drug equipment, unlawful possession of cannabis and illegal transportation of liquor by a driver.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Dino Katris said officers with the Zion Police Department were out on a traffic stop on July 2.
The officers spotted a vehicle that had a driver inside wearing a ski mask and filming the officers.
The vehicle, driven by Cox, entered into Winthrop Harbor and officers stopped the car.
Officers spotted an open alcoholic beverage in the car and Cox admitted he had cannabis in his pocket, Katris said.
Officers found pills, which Cox did not have a prescription for, inside the car and over 50 grams of psilocybin chocolate bars.
They additionally found two sticks of dynamite and fireworks, all of which cannot be bought in stores without being a licensed pyrotechnic operator, which Cox is not, according to Katris.
Katris said smoke grenades and a 9mm ghost gun along with ammunition were also found. A “purge” mask was found near the gun.
Cox has a revoked Firearm Owner’s Identification card for a previous felony drug conviction, Katris said.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Cox held on a $350,000 bond.
Cox remains held in the Lake County Jail and would need to post $35,000 cash in order to be released.
A status of preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.