Prosecutors say officers chased down and arrested a convicted felon who was found in possession of a loaded gun after responding to a call of drug dealing outside a store in North Chicago.
Aron Burdine, 29, of North Chicago, was charged with armed habitual criminal, felon in possession of a weapon, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Kailey Hopkins said officers responded on November 17 to Handy’s Liquor Store, 811 10th Street in North Chicago.
The owner called to report people selling drugs in the parking lot of the establishment.
Hopkins said officers arrived and spotted Burdine in the parking lot. He started grabbing at his waistband when he saw them and ran away.
Officers chased Burdine for several blocks, Hopkins said.
Hopkins said officers saw Burdine throw an object to the ground as he was running as well as a plastic baggie.
Officers found a 9mm handgun that was fully loaded. Security footage showed Burdine throwing the gun and it landing where the officers found it, Hopkins said.
The plastic baggie contained seven smaller baggies that had a rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine.
Hopkins said Burdine does not have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card or concealed carry license as he is a convicted felon.
He has previously been sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for attempted aggravated battery by discharge of a firearm, theft, mob action and felon in possession of a firearm.
Burdine pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in February in Lake County and was paroled just three months prior to his most recent arrest.
Lake County Judge Michael Nerheim granted a petition to detain Burdine pending trial following a detention hearing. Burdine refused to be transported from the jail for his court hearing.
Burdine remains held in the Lake County Jail and is set to appear in court again on December 12 for an arraignment hearing.