Facebook Live Video Leads to Arrest of Felon with Gun in Evanston: Cops

EVANSTON, IL — A Facebook Live video led detectives in Evanston to a felon who was found with a handgun after fleeing police Monday night, according to a police report.

Stephen A. Adams, 23, of the 1800 block of Grey Avenue, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, no valid firearm owner's identification card and unlawful contact with a street gang member after police arrested him in the 700 block of Clark Street.

Members of the EPD's neighborhood enforcement team were monitoring Facebook Live when they came across a video showing a known Evanston gang member driving around town with four others while flashing a handgun.

Shortly after, detectives found the car in an alley in the 800 block of Clark Street, where three men fled into a nearby restaurant and Adams allegedly continued eastbound on foot.

Adams was captured one block away after he fell and dropped a loaded Glock .40- caliber handgun, according to police.

The three suspects who fled into the restaurant were also taken into custody, with James W. Johnson, 26, of the 2000 block of Darrow Avenue, having been charged with unlawful contact with a street gang member.

The other three suspects - the two others who entered the restaurant and one who remained in the car after police arrived - were released without charges.

Photo is of suspect Stephen Adams / via Evanston Police Department