Armed Habitual Criminal Arrested With Cocaine In Pocket: JPD

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police say 37-year-old armed habitual criminal Antonio Martinez got arrested Tuesday night for a turning signal violation in the 400 block of Collins Street. That traffic stop resulted in the recovery of Martinez's gun from his front seat as well as cocaine he was hiding inside of his pants, according to Joliet police.

Martinez is now back in the Will County Jail where he's charged with armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of a weapon, No FOID card, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a controlled substance and obstructing Justice.

His female passenger, Sandra Zavala, 38, of Joliet, was released on an I-bond for marijuana possession by a motor vehicle passenger.

Tuesday's traffic stop happened around 8:20 p.m. Martinez was driving a Chevrolet Equinox.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English:

When officers searched Zavala, they found marijuana in her purse.

As Martinez exited his sports utility vehicle, police saw a .380 handgun in plain view inside the SUV.

Officers recovered the loaded handgun.

Following Martinez's arrest, officers recovered suspected cocaine after searching his clothes. His vehicle was towed away.

Bail for Martinez was set at $200,000. He comes from Joliet's 200 block of Greglawn Avenue, which is near Plainfield Road in the Crystal Lawns area.