1st Gun Arrest By Joliet Police In 2023: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 27-year-old man from Country Club Hills became the Joliet Police Department's first felony gun arrest case in 2023. Joliet police say Maurice Vaughn was driving a Nissan Altima when he made an improper turn near the Louis Mall on Plainfield Road near Voyager Lane, and that's why officers pulled him over.

He was taken to the Will County Jail on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful ammunition possession and having no FOID.

Vaughn's arrest happened around 10:50 p.m. on Sunday.

"While speaking to Vaughn, officers observed what appeared to be loose cannabis inside the vehicle," police spokesman Dwayne English noted.

After Vaughn exited the car, Joliet police said they recovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun from the glove box. Vaughn did not have a FOID card or a concealed carry license. Vaughn was taken into custody without incident.

Vaughn was also cited for improper turn at intersection, expired registration plates, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, no valid driver’s license-expired more than one year and unlawful possession of cannabis by driver.

Vaughn's vehicle was towed from the scene.

Will County Jail logs indicate Vaughn was freed from custody around 11:15 a.m. on Monday. Information regarding any bond amount was listed as "no data."