Evanston Man's Semi-Automatic Rifle Legal, His Handgun Not: Cops

EVANSTON, IL — Police said a man arrested last week faces a firearm felony charge after officers investigating a report of a "possibly armed" man found a loaded handgun in the back seat of his car.

Dwayne Johnson, 28, of the 1800 block of Brown Avenue, Evanston was arrested after Evanston police were dispatched to the 2400 block of Main Street shortly before noon, where they were told there was a man near a white Volkswagen who may have a gun.

Arriving officers on scene found the man and the vehicle and identified the man as Johnson, according to police. Johnson told officers had a valid firearm owner identification card and an unlocked rifle locked in his trunk.

Officers noticed a Glock 9mm handgun in plain view in the back seat of the Volkswagen, according to Cmdr. Ryan Glew. Johnson told police the gun was loaded and was promptly arrested.

Police said Johnson had a valid FOID card but did not have a concealed carry permit, making the transportation of a loaded handgun in his vehicle a felony.

Prosecutors approved a single felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the 9mm handgun. Johnson faces no charges over the Norimco SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle he had in his trunk, police said.