Press Release: Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Charges for the Passenger

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 06/09/2023 03:45 PM CDT

Friday, June 09, 2023 | View in browser

Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Charges for the Passenger

EVANSTON, IL - On June 6, 2023 at approximately 10:50 a.m. an Evanston patrol officer was in the area of Lake Street and Maple Avenue when she observed a white GMC SUV fail to stop for a stop sign. The officer then performed a traffic stop on the GMC in the 1000 block of Grove.

The officer made contact with the driver. Her investigation revealed the driver had a revoked driver's license and did not have proof of insurance. The driver was arrested and the passenger, Ptolemy Martinez, was asked to exit the vehicle.

While Martinez was still on scene an assist officer was searching the vehicle prior to it being towed. In the front seat passenger area the assist officer found a partially unzipped green bag that contained a loaded Taurus 9 mm handgun. Martinez admitted the green bag was his. He was placed under arrest for UUW investigation.

The investigation revealed that Martinez did not have a FOID card or a Concealed Carry License. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and approved felony charges for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

The driver was cited for failing to stop for a stop sign, no proof insurance, and driving on a revoked driver's license.

Offender

Martinez, Ptolemy male 19 years-of-age

1000 block of Grove St. Evanston, IL

Charges