Loud Explosion Leads to Drug Charges, Arrest for Weapons Violations

A 29-year-old Elgin man was arrested on New Year’s Day after authorities received a report of a loud explosion and several gunshots.

Jose A. Cantu, of the 200 block of Michigan Street in Elgin, now faces several charges after officers arrived to the area of the reported ruckus in the 200 block of Michigan Street at 1:48 p.m. and found a large metal tube, which appeared to be used to detonate firework mortars, police said. Near the metal tube officers located several spent shell casings, which “were consistent with ammunition used in assault-style rifles,” according to an Elgin Police Department press release.

Detectives searched Cantu’s home and found an assault rifle, ammunition and about 487 grams of marijuana, according to a news release.

Cantu has been arrested and charged with: Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), Possession of a Firearm No FOID Card (Class 3 Felony), Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony), and Possession of Cannabis (Class 4 Felony). Mr. Cantu will appear in Kane County Bond Court this morning.

"This is another great example of an arrest that was made because of the proactive efforts taken by our citizens to report activity. With assistance from our community and the exceptional work by our officers a dangerous weapon was recovered," said Elgin Police Chief Jeffrey Swoboda.

Photo via the Elgin Police Department