Shorewood Man's Gun Seized During Joliet Traffic Stop: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A Shorewood resident who was stashing his loaded gun underneath the seat of his car was hauled off in handcuffs by Joliet police officers last Wednesday, authorities said.

Joliet police say they arrested Christopher Benco and brought him to the Will Count Adult Detention Facility on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English:

At 6:51 p.m., Joliet officers conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Cruze near Western Avenue and Broadway Street for a turn signal violation.

Benco was the driver. While speaking to officers, Benco indicated that there was a handgun under the driver’s seat. Benco exited the vehicle and officers recovered a loaded handgun under the driver’s seat. Benco was placed into custody without incident. Benco was also cited for an expired registration and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Benco comes from the 900 block of Vertin Boulevard, that's near River Road.