Hometown Tap Patron’s Offer To Sell Cocaine Fails To Impress Off-Duty Cop: Prosecutor

HOMETOWN, IL -- An off-duty police officer was less than impressed with a Hodgkins man’s pick-up line when he offered to sell her cocaine in a bar, prosecutors said. Christian Banderas, 33, is charged with possession of a controlled substance. A loaded gun was also allegedly found in his car.

According to the charges, the Hometown police officer, who was off duty, flagged down another officer around 2:36 a.m. Aug. 1. The officer said she was at the Hometown Tap at 4140 Southwest Highway in Hometown, when Banderas asked if she wanted to buy some cocaine.

Banderas allegedly admitted to offering sell drugs to the officer, but told police he was “just trying to be friendly.” Police also searched Banderas’s vehicle where they discovered a loaded .22-caliber gun, the prosecutor said.

In addition to the felony drug charge, Banderas was also charged with felony unlawful use of a weapon and a misdemeanor for not having a valid FOID or conceal-carry license.

Cook County Judge Peter Felice set bail at $15,000. Banderas is also to submit to random drug testing and surrender all firearms, conceal-carry license and FOID card to Hometown Police.

“And stay out of the Hometown Tap,” Judge Felice said.

Banderas is due back in court Aug. 28 in Bridgeview.