Police K-9 Sniffs Out 17.1 Pounds of Pot in Man's Trunk: Prosecutor

Phillip Watson, 47 | Cook County Sheriff

A man tried to escape Illinois State troopers’ custody after he was pulled over on I-294 near Hickory Hills with 17.1 pounds of cannabis in his trunk, prosecutors said.

Phillip Watson, 47, is facing multiple felony charges, including manufacture and intent to deliver cannabis, possession of cannabis over 5,000 grams, cannabis trafficking, resisting arrest and escape from a police officer.

Watson was pulled over in a traffic stop on I-294 near the 95th Street exit in Hickory Hills. State troopers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside his car, the prosecutor said.

A police K-9 alerted the presence of cannabis in Watson’s trunk, where 17.1 pounds of cannabis was found. The dog also located $3,800 cash, according to the charges.

During his arrest, Watson allegedly tried to run away. A state trooper injured his knee during a brief foot chase, the prosecutor said.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Watson has six children and works construction for a living.

Judge Peter Felice set bail at $500,000, providing proof that bail funds do not come from illegal activities. The judge also ordered Watson to remain on electronic home monitoring should he bond out.

Watson is due back in court in Bridgeview on Dec. 30.