Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Gun, Drug Charges

PALATINE, IL — A self-described gang member accused of running from police who were responding to reports of gunfire was sentenced to two years in prison as part of a deal with prosecutors, according to the Daily Herald. Samuel Cervantes, 22, of the 800 block of Panorama Drive, Palatine, pleaded guilty to possession of a defaced firearm and possession of a controlled substance. He also was fined $1,209, the report added.

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The charges against Cervantes stem from an incident last year. Palatine police responded to a report of gunshots at about 10:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at an apartment complex in the 1800 block of North Green Lane. When officers arrived, they saw Cervantes allegedly running from the area. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase, police said.

An investigation at the scene uncovered 2 grams of cocaine in Cervantes' possession. Officers also determined that Cervantes had been carrying a handgun that had been fired in the complex, according to police. A Rugerm .357 magnum revolver was discovered shortly after Cervantes was apprehended.

RELATED: Gang Member Faces Gun, Drug Charges After Shots Fired In Apartment Complex

No one was hurt in the incident, police said. Investigators did find that a bullet from the Ruger had gone through a nearby apartment window.

More via the Daily Herald

Samuel Cervantes, 22 (Photo via Palatine Police Department)

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