A registered gang member from Chicago was arrested for having a gun in his trunk while driving 35 miles per hour over the posted speed limit through Lake Forest, police said.
Dimitri P. Dixon, 30, of Chicago, was spotted driving a 2014 Chevrolet Impala at 90 mph on northbound on Route 41 near Gage Lane at 4:17 p.m. Sunday in Lake Forest, police said.
The speed at which he was traveling puts Dixon 35 mph over the posted speed limit, police said.
Officers conducted a traffic stop near Route 41 and Washington Avenue in Lake Bluff and spoke with Dixon, who was the only person in the car, police said.
During the traffic stop, Dixon’s license came back as suspended, police said.
Dixon was placed under arrest for driving while license was suspended, authorities said, and the Impala was searched prior to being towed from the scene.
During the search, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in the trunk, authorities said.
Dixon immediately denied ownership of the firearm, police said.
A search of Dixon’s criminal history showed he was a previously convicted felon with a firearm-related offense and was a registered gang member, authorities said.
The case was reviewed by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office who approved a Class X felony charge of Armed Habitual Criminal, a Class 2 felony charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon with Prior Offense,
a Class 2 felony charge of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon with no FOID Card, and petty traffic offenses including speeding, driving without insurance and driving on a suspended license.
Dixon attended first appearance court Tuesday where the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Dixon until his trial.
His detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, police said.