Press Release: Traffic Stop Leads to Gun Arrest

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 06/30/2023 04:46 PM CDT

Friday, June 30, 2023 | View in browser

Traffic Stop Leads to Gun Arrest

EVANSTON, IL - On June 24, 2023 at approximately 12:45 a.m. an Evanston Patrol Unit was in the area of the 800 block of Dodge Avenue when the officers observed an orange BMW traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. After observing the BMW driving erratically, speeding, and failing to stay within its lane, they performed a traffic stop in the 300 block of Dodge Avenue.

The officers made contact with the driver and sole occupant, Richard Bowes. An officer asked Bowes for his driver's license and proof of insurance, Bowes then retrieve his license from a Coach shoulder bag on the passenger side floor board. Bowes was unable provide proof of insurance.

When officers spoke to Bowes they observed signs he had been drinking alcohol. Due to the observed signs of drinking along with the open and accessible Coach bag, officers requested consent to search Bowes's vehicle. Bowes granted officers permission to search the vehicle. One of the officers then checked the open Coach bag, which led to the recovery of a loaded Smith and Wesson SD40 handgun. Bowes was then placed under arrest and transported to the police station.

Bowes was the registered owner of the BMW. The BMW was towed from the scene.

Officers continued their investigation. Bowes admitted to possessing the Smith and Wesson handgun. The investigation revealed the Bowes did not have a concealed carry license or a FOID card. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and approved a felony charge for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. There were no charges for DUI, but Bowes was issued several traffic citations.

Offender

Bowes, Richard male 38 years-of-age

7400 block of N. Claremont Ave., Chicago, IL

Charges