Fleeing Felon Leads Law to Massive Marijuana, Ammo Stash: Cops

OAK LAWN, IL -- Police found a cache of cannabis, a gun and hundreds of rounds of assault rifle ammunition in an Oak Lawn man’s car and garage during a traffic pursuit that ended at his residence, prosecutors said in court.

Erik J. Bixler, 29, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, aggravated fleeing or eluding police, possession with intent to deliver cannabis, and possession of over 2,000 grams of cannabis. Bixler is also facing various misdemeanor traffic offenses, including a pending DUI.

Around 6:22 p.m. on March 14, Oak Lawn police officers working undercover saw a vehicle, commit a traffic violation near 91st and Meade. When police tried to curb the vehicle, it took off, disobeying multiple traffic lights and stop signs in an attempt to elude police, the prosecutor said.

Police were able to obtain the registered owner’s address, which turned out to be Bixler, and waited for him at his home in the 9000 block of South 50th Avenue. Bixler was taken into custody. While searching his vehicle, the prosecutor said officers found a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver and ammunition under the driver’s seat, along with 2,216 grams or approximately five pounds cannabis.

Search warrants were executed at the residence’s detached garage and a storage unit at another location, where police found an additional 250 grams of cannabis and packaging materials for selling it, the prosecutor said.

Officers also recovered hundreds of live rounds of assault rifle ammunition in the garage, according to an Oak Lawn police news release.

Bixler’s attorney told the judge that his client is a painter who lives with and takes care of his mother and disabled brother. He missed court for his DUI because he had to take his child to the hospital.

Earlier Thursday, Bixler appeared in another courtroom where bail was set at $35,000 for his pending DUI. He also has a 2012 conviction for manufacture and delivery of cannabis , the prosecutor said.

Judge Felice set bail on the felony charges at $200,000. Bixler’s next court appearance is April 24 in Bridgeview.