Guns, Bobcat Found In Orland Park Storefront: Cops

ORLAND PARK, IL -- A man found to be living in a former storefront in Orland Park was arrested after police found firearms and a bobcat while serving a search warrant, police said. Philip Giese, 41, was charged with two felony counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Giese was also cited for possession of a wild animal.

Acting on a tip, Orland Park detectives received information that a known convicted felon may be in possession of firearms. Orland Park police executed a search warrant around 2:42 p.m. Feb. 28 at a shuttered storefront at 7060 157th St. Two loaded handguns were recovered along with 100 rounds of ammunition. Police also found drug paraphernalia along with suspected narcotics that were sent to the Illinois State Police crime lab for further testing. A man, later identified as Giese, was discovered to be living inside the storefront where he was subsequently arrested, police said.

Also found inside the building was spotted cat , larger than a typical domestic cat. The animal was identified as a bobcat. The Illinois Conservation Police took custody of the bobcat and cited Giese for possessing a wild animal. Giese was taken to the Bridgeview Courthouse for a bond hearing. Bail was set at $25,000 by Cook County Judge Michael Kane. Giese is due back in court March 28.