Man Admits To Dealing Drugs: Darien Cops

DARIEN, IL — A Darien police officer who stopped a driver with an improper registration ended up finding two-thirds of a pound of marijuana and a handgun, police said.

About 3:30 p.m. Aug. 25, the officer checked the registration for a black Dodge Challenger SRT because many Dodges have been stolen lately, according to a police report that Patch obtained through a public records request. The registration came up for a 2009 Infiniti.

On Route 83, the officer stopped the driver, identified as Joaquin Garcia Jr., 19, of Bolingbrook, according to the report. At first, Garcia would not open his window for the officer, but finally got out of his car, police said.

Asked about the registration, Garcia said his grandfather bought the car for him and was getting it registered. Then he referred to his girlfriend's grandfather, with the officer saying it was unclear who bought the car.

Police officers said they noticed a strong odor of marijuana from the car. When asked how much marijuana he had in the vehicle, Garcia responded, "A lot," according to the report. In a search, an officer found the marijuana and a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm handgun as well as ammunition, police said.

In an interview, Garcia, who waived his right to remain silent, said he bought marijuana to sell for profit to his frequent 10 to 15 customers while using his Dodge to purchase marijuana and deliver it, police said.

Garcia also said he bought the handgun illegally for $1,000, according to the report. He said he intended to pay back the original purchaser of the Dodge with his profits from marijuana sales, police said.

Garcia was arrested on charges of armed violence, marijuana possession with intent to deliver, driving with a suspended license, operating an uninsured vehicle, unlawful display of registration, no valid registration, improper display of license and improper lane usage. He was taken to the DuPage County Jail.

Under state law, a person can be charged with armed violence when committing a felony while armed with a dangerous weapon.