Police Find Loaded 9mm, Box of Ammo in Graduate Student's Car: Prosecutor

Photo: Richard Peyton, 34 | Cook County Sheriff

A loaded 9mm pistol and a box of live ammo was found in a man’s car during a traffic stop in Alsip, prosecutors said.

Richard Peyton, 34, formerly of Virginia, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on charges of unlawful use of a weapon and driving under the influence.

According to the charges, Peyton was stopped around 4 a.m. Nov. 23 by Alsip police for driving under the influence. During a search of his car, police found a loaded 9mm pistol under the front passenger seat.

Prosecutors said the gun was loaded with 10 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. A box containing 20 live rounds was also found in the arm rest.

Peyton did not have a FOID card or a conceal-carry permit, prosecutors said. He allegedly told police he was carrying the gun because he is staying in Chicago.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Peyton is a graduate student and a U.S. Navy veteran.

“He has a bright, bright future and he’s allegedly out at 4 o’clock in the morning drunk driving with a loaded gun,” Felice said.

Bail was set at $20,000. Peyton is due back in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 21.