Loaded Gun, Hydrocodone Found After High-Speed Stop: Des Plaines Blotter

DES PLAINES, IL — A Des Plaines man faces felony gun and drug charges after police said an officer stopped a vehicle traveling more than twice the posted speed limit and later recovered a loaded handgun and hydrocodone.

It was among several incidents recently reported by Des Plaines police.

The following information comes from the Des Plaines Police Department and court records. Criminal charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Updated case information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

WEAPON AND DRUG CHARGES

Sean Hernandez, 20, of Des Plaines, was charged following a traffic stop around 12:40 a.m. Aug. 27 in the 1100 block of East Oakton Street.

Police said an officer on patrol near Lee Street and Forest Avenue saw a gray Kia K5 traveling southbound on Lee at a high speed. The officer's radar recorded the Kia traveling 61 mph in a posted 30 mph zone, according to police.

The officer followed the vehicle as it turned into a parking lot in the 1100 block of East Oakton Street and initiated a traffic stop.

Police said the officer smelled cannabis coming from the vehicle and saw what appeared to be a smoking device containing cannabis in a cup holder.

After Hernandez got out of the Kia, police said the officer noticed what appeared to be a hard, L-shaped object protruding from his pants pocket. Officers recovered a loaded Glock 42 handgun, according to police.

Police said Hernandez did not possess a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card.

During a search of the vehicle, officers also found a white pill inside the driver's door that was suspected to be hydrocodone, according to police. Police said they later confirmed the pill was hydrocodone and determined Hernandez did not have a prescription for it.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office was contacted, and Hernandez was subsequently charged with felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance, according to police.

He also received misdemeanor charges related to drug paraphernalia, a FOID card requirement, cannabis in a motor vehicle and speeding, along with traffic citations, police said.

Hernandez was cited and released with court information.

BATTERY

Aryan Dalal, 20, of Des Plaines, was charged with misdemeanor battery following an Aug. 23 disturbance in the 2000 block of East Touhy Avenue, according to police.

Officers responding to the residence found Dalal inside and described him as upset and pacing, police said.

Police said Dalal then suddenly exited the residence and, while walking past an officer, struck the officer in the head.

He was taken to the ground and handcuffed, according to police.

Dalal was subsequently arrested on one misdemeanor count of battery, cited and released with court information.

HIT-AND-RUN

Police are investigating after a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle around 9:25 p.m. Aug. 27 in the 1400 block of East Oakton Street.

Police said the victim was traveling east on Oakton when a vehicle exiting a private driveway on the north side of the street failed to yield and struck the bicycle.

The driver continued onto Oakton Street and attempted to turn eastbound before striking the bicyclist, according to police.

Police said the motorist then turned south onto Cora Street and fled without providing information.

The vehicle was described as a gray SUV driven by a heavyset woman.