Numerous Marijuana Plants Discovered Inside Apartment During Building Evacuation: Prosecutor

A Chicago Ridge man turned himself in after police found numerous marijuana plants growing inside his apartment during a building evacuation, prosecutors said.

Jonathan Grace, 35, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of possession of cannabis with intent to deliver.

According to the charges, Chicago Ridge firefighters were called to an apartment building in the 10400 block of South Natoma Avenue around 5 p.m. April 6 for an unidentified burning smell.

Chicago Ridge police officers were also called to assist firefighters. When the smell could not be identified, the fire department ordered the building to be evacuated.

When firefighters knocked on Grace’s door, they discovered 18 marijuana plants and 1,240 grams of marijuana, the prosecutor said.

Grace was told to evacuate the building.

Grace’s attorney told the judge that his client has had three back surgeries. The attorney said the incident happened last week and that Grace had turned himself into Chicago Ridge police on April 11.

Judge Felice set bail at $10,000. He also ordered Grace to submit random urine drops while his case is pending.

Grace is due back in court May 9 in Bridgeview.