Police Arrest Armed Suspect Accused Of Trying To Break Into Cars

EVANSTON, IL — An investigation into claims of a man pulling on car doors in an Evanston alley led to a weapons arrest this week, police announced.

On Feb. 24, police received a report from a local resident of a man in a parking lot in the 700 block of Hinman Avenue attempting to open parked cars. According to the resident, they saw the man walking in an alleyway, pulling on car door handles and looking around as he moved between buildings.

Using the description of the suspect from the resident, police located the man, identified as 21-year-old Jonathan Curtis from Skokie, in the area and conducted a stop. Curtis consented to a pat-down from officers to determine if he had any weapons.

According to police, Curtis began to resist the search.

"During the encounter, he did not follow instructions about where to place his hands so the pat-down could be completed safely," the Evanston police said in a statement.

Police called for additional assistance as a result of the resistance. Additional officers reportedly observed a handgun sticking out of Curtis's waistband and placed him under arrest.

A loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun, which police said Curtis admitted to owning, was recovered.

When police later conducted a records search, they found that Curtis did not have a valid Firearm Owner Identification card or a Concealed Carry License. Officers also learned that Curtis was on parole and was wearing a court-ordered GPS monitoring device.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved one felony charge of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The Illinois Department of Corrections also issued a parole violation warrant.