Man Accused Of Stealing Worth Cop's Dropped Gun

WORTH, IL — A Worth man was arrested after he picked up a gun that had been dropped by a police officer, prosecutors said. Patrick Murphy, 61, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on felony charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and theft. Murphy is also facing misdemeanor charges of possession of a firearm without a FOID and resisting arrest.

Worth police were responding to an unrelated battery call June 26 in the 6500 block of West 111th Street. While investigating, another person rapidly approached the officers. When the Worth police officer ran to intercept the person, his gun popped out of his holster. The officer went back to look for the gun, but it was gone, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said that Murphy later told police he had the officer’s gun's magazine in his kitchen. Police went into Murphy’s residence, where officers said they found the cop’s Glock 17 and a magazine loaded with 16 rounds.

During Murphy's arrest, he pulled his arms away and dragged his feet across the ground, according to court records.

The prosecutor said that Murphy served concurrent prison terms for residential burglary and robbery in 1983. Murphy was released on a $10,000 I-bond. His next court date is July 23 in Bridgeview.

“Next time you see a gun on the sidewalk, leave it alone,” the judge said.