Smell Of Marijuana Leads To Gun Arrest At Motel 6: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 27-year-old Chicago man who was illegally parked in a handicap stall at the Motel 6 on Mall Loop Drive was arrested this week after Joliet police say Willonte Anthony was keeping a gun inside a bag.

Following Monday's early morning arrest, Anthony was booked into the Will County Jail. He remains unable to post his $250,000 bail.

Anthony was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, unlawful possession of ammunition and having no Firearm Owner's Identification card.

Joliet police went to the Motel 6 around 12:45 a.m. after getting a loud noise complaint from one of the motel rooms. At the scene, police found a car parked in a handicap space without a placard. Anthony was in the car with another person, and officers smelled marijuana, police said.

When officers searched Anthony, a small amount of marijuana was recovered, according to police. After searching the vehicle, officers recovered a 9 mm handgun from a bag that Anthony was holding, according to Joliet police.

"Anthony indicated ownership of the weapon, and he was placed into custody without incident," police spokesman Dwayne English announced.