Bullet Hole In Closet Leads To Felony Gun, Drug Busts: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL — Following a two-month investigation, two men are facing felony charges stemming from a November incident in which a bullet traveled through a residence next door to where the duo live.

Nathan Gibson, 27, of the 2800 block of S. Scott Street, Des Plaines, is accused of felony reckless discharge of a firearm, possession of cannabis (more than 100 grams, less than 500 grams), possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. Nicholas Elliott, 26, residing at the same address, is accused of felony possession of cannabis (more than 100 grams, less than 500 grams). Both men were arrested Friday on the charges and later released.

On Nov. 10, 2023, police responded to the 2800 block of S. Scott Street for a report of a suspicious incident. When officers arrived on the scene, they spoke with a complainant, who said they found a bullet hole in an upstairs closet. Subsequently, police discovered a mirror and a small hole in the north wall of the closet.

While investigating the incident, police found an exterior hole on the north wall of the home. They also saw a hole in the upstairs window of a residence next door covered in black plastic. Police noted the broken window of the neighboring residence was directly across from where the bullet had entered the victim's residence.

Police obtained a search warrant of the neighboring residence, and the department's detective bureau conducted a subsequent investigation. Police recovered several items from the home, including a large glass jar containing a green leafy substance, suspected to be cannabis, in a room belonging to Gibson. In a separate room, later determined to be occupied by Elliott, police found a clear bag containing a green leafy substance, also suspected to be cannabis.

Police also found evidence that confirmed the bullet originated from inside the residence and had been fired into the victim's house.

The items were recovered and brought to the police station to be tested for narcotics. Cannabis located in Gibson's room totaled over 130 grams, while the cannabis located in Elliott's room totaled over 350 grams, according to police.

During a follow-up investigation, Gibson and Elliott were arrested and taken into custody on Jan. 5.