Palos Hills Cops Find Rifles, Handguns, Ammo in Man's Bedroom: Prosecutor

PALOS HILLS, IL -- A Palos Hills man was arrested after police found a cache of guns and ammo at his home, prosecutors said.

John Merriman, 31, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on nine counts of possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID card.

Acting on a tip of possible gun and drug running, Palos Hills police went to the 10600 block of South Tod Drive on Sept. 29. Both the owner of the residence and MErriman’s wife gave police permission to search the home, the prosecutor said.

Inside Merriman’s bedroom, the prosecutor said police found four rifles, five handguns and 1,500 rounds of ammunition. Merriman was not present when police first arrived, but came home later while officers were still on the scene.

The prosecutor said that Merriman admitted to knowing that his FOID card was revoked after a 2014 drug conviction.

In addition to the weapons charges, a violation of probation was also filed. Judge Felice set bail at $50,000. Merriman’s next hearing is Oct. 27 in Bridgeview.