Traffic Stop Leads To Aggravated UUW Arrest

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/09/2020 11:50 AM CDT

Monday, Mar 9, 2020 | View in browser

Traffic Stop Leads to Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon Arrest

EVANSTON, IL - On March 2 at 1:47 a.m. Evanston Police Officers observed a black Chevy Equinox traveling west on Howard St with several equipment violations. Officers initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot at 2347 Howard St in Chicago.

While officers were contacting the driver of the vehicle, now identified as Johnel A. Washington, they observed a handgun on the drivers side floor of the vehicle. As the contact officer was ordering Washington to keep his hands visible, he threw the car into reverse, accelerated and struck the marked squad car. After striking the squad car twice, Washington exited the vehicle on foot running a few blocks into Chicago. Washington was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Officers recovered a loaded Taurus handgun from the Chevy.

Washington was arrested and transported to the station. Officers learned Washington did not have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) nor Concealed Carry Licence (CCL). Washington was charged with unlawful use of weapon possession by a felon.

Offender

Washington, Johnel A. male 29 years of age

1700 block of West Juneway Terrace, Chicago, IL.

Charges

2 traffic citations for equipment violations

1 traffic citation for No Valid Insurance

1 civil law citation for Possession of Less than 10 grams of Cannabis

1 misdemeanor count of Reckless Driving

1 misdemeanor count of Failure to Stop for Accident

1 misdemeanor count of Criminal Damage to Property

1 misdemeanor count of Aggravated Assault of Emergency Personnel

1 misdemeanor count of Possession of Firearm without FOID card