Gang Suspect Ditches Gun While Fleeing Traffic Stop: Cops

A Hoffman Estates 19-year-old and an alleged gang member was arrested Saturday night after he reportedly tossed a gun while running from a traffic stop, according to a Palatine police report

Michael MacDonald, of the 1300 block of Rebecca Drive, was charged with felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, misdemeanor resisting a peace officer, misdemeanor mob action and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

MacDonald, who police claim is a member of Spanish Gangster Disciples, was arrested after Palatine police responded to a call about a fight at a restaurant in the 1100 block of East Dundee Road, the report stated. A BMW was seen leaving the scene a police pulled up, and an officer pursued the car and pulled it over, the report added.

As the car stopped, MacDonald jumped out of the BMW and tossed an item that was later identified as a loaded .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun as he ran, police said. Police eventually caught up with MacDonald and took him into custody.

Palatine police also arrested two other people who were in the BMW with MacDonald. Tyler Heyward, 21, also of the 1300 block of Rebecca Drive, Hoffman Estates; and Amanda Lonsfoote, 25, of the 800 block of Carriageway, Elgin, were both charged with misdemeanor mob action and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

PHOTOS: Michael MacDonald (first); Tyler Heyward; and Amanda Lonsfoote (Palatine Police Department)