Traffic Stop Leads to Drug, Ammo, Gun Arrests in Rockford
A police stop in Rockford on Wednesday night (6/3) resulted in two arrests and the recovery of drugs, cash, guns, and ammunition.
SCOPE Officers Conduct Late-Night Investigation
A late-night traffic stop by Rockford Police led to multiple felony charges after officers discovered a loaded firearm, illegal drugs, and other items during a search of a vehicle that was reportedly connected to an earlier incident.
According to the press release, members of RPD's Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement (SCOPE) unit conducted a traffic stop around 10 p.m. on Wednesday (June 3), near Preston Street and Newport Avenue on Rockford's west side.
Two Suspects Attempted to Flee Officers
Police said two individuals exited the vehicle and ran from RPD officers, but were apprehended a short time later and identified as 18-year-old Andres Whitaker of Rockford and a 17-year-old male from Rockford.
During their investigation, SCOPE officers recovered more than 72 grams of cannabis, more than 20 Ecstasy pills, a loaded handgun, ammunition, and cash.
Multiple Felony Charges Authorized
After reviewing the details of this case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office has authorized the following charges against the two individuals.
The 17-year-old juvenile male faces charges including armed violence, possession with intent to deliver Ecstasy, possession with intent to deliver cannabis, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, illegal possession of ammunition, and unlawful possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. At the time this story was published, he was lodged in the juvenile detention facility.
18-year-old Andres Whitaker faces criminal damage to property, possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card, illegal possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest. He was being lodged in the Winnebago County Jail.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
In the press release, Rockford Police noted that additional arrests or charges could be filed as their investigation continues.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Rockford Police at 815-966-2900, or to remain anonymous, call Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.