Loaded Gun Found On Woman Driving Minivan In Evanston: Police

EVANSTON, IL — Police said they found a fully loaded handgun after pulling over a minivan on Howard Street for expired plates early Friday. A woman from Chicago's West Ridge neighborhood faces a felony gun charge and Evanston cops removed an illegal gun from the streets, police said.

Jennifer Trujillo, 29, of the 5100 block of North Seeley Avenue, was stopped by police around 1:12 a.m. near the intersection of Howard Street and Asbury Avenue while driving a Ford Windstar, according to police.

Cops smelled marijuana while speaking with her, and after a bit more conversation, she turned over a small amount of cannabis, according to police.

Police said Trujillo told cops she had a handgun after a female officer arrived to search her. They found she had a Taurus .45 caliber handgun and a total of 4.1 grams of cannabis.

Prosecutors approved one felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon, according to police. She was also issued citations for possession of cannabis, expired registration and no proof of insurance.

Trujillo was placed on electronic monitoring ahead of a March 21 court date, police