K9's Search Turns Up Illegal Gun, Chicago Heights Man Charged After Fleeing Traffic Stop: New Lenox PD

NEW LENOX, IL — A Chicago Heights man faces a gun charge following a traffic stop in New Lenox, according to police reports.

On Aug. 1, police at Marley and Francis Road spotted a car with no rear registration light. The officer initiated a traffic stop, and met with the driver, identified as Michael Karner, 22, of Chicago Heights.

Karner then attempted to flee by driving away from the traffic stop, police said. According to officials, the officer pulled Karner over again and ordered him to exit the vehicle.

A K-9 was deployed to conduct a sniff of the vehicle. The K-9 made a positive alert, and the vehicle was searched, according to police.

A police report notes that the search yielded several rounds of ammunition and a 9mm handgun with no serial number.

The officer learned Karner did not have a FOID or concealed carry license, police said. Karner was taken into custody and transported to the New Lenox Police Department.

He was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He was processed and released.