Gun Found As Passenger Clutching Pants Flees Traffic Stop: Police

EVANSTON, IL — Officers found a loaded handgun on a fleeing teen after a pulling over a vehicle for squealing its tires this week, according to Evanston police. The driver escaped and has not been identified. The detained teen faces a felony firearm charge and four misdemeanors related to the incident.

Ruben Roman, 19, of the 5900 block of North Paulina Avenue, Chicago, was arrested shortly after 3 a.m. on Tuesday. Roman was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon, resisting police, possession of a firearm with a FOID card and possession of ammunition without a FOID card.

Patrol officers were parked in the 800 block of Howard Street when they noticed a gray Honda SUV squealing its tires at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Howard Street, according to Cmdr. Ryan Glew. The SUV stopped a few blocks south, over the Chicago border in in the 2000 block of West Fargo Avenue in Rogers Park.

The occupants of the SUV got out and took off running, police said. Officers reported seeing someone get out of the rear passenger-side door clutching his waistband as ran from the scene. This suggested to the officer that the fleeing passenger, later identified as Roman, might be armed, according to Glew.

Officers shouted at Roman to stop as they gave chase, Glew said. They were able to apprehend him about three blocks away, in the 7400 block of North Hoyne Avenue.

During a pat down, police found a loaded 9 mm handgun with nine rounds inside. Roman, who did not have a valid license to own or carry such a weapon, was taken to the Evanston police station, according to Glew.

Police returned to the scene of the traffic stop to find the Honda had been abandoned. With the driver nowhere to be found, the Honda was towed away from the scene.

Roman was ordered held Wednesday at Cook County Jail in lieu of the $2,500 cash portion of his bond. He is due back in court April 22.