Press Release: Traffic Stop Leads to UUW and Cannabis Charges

City of Evanston, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/20/2024 04:13 PM CDT

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | View in browser

Traffic Stop Leads to UUW and Cannabis Charges

EVANSTON, IL - On March 14, 2024, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Evanston Patrol Officers were on patrol in the area of the 1800 block of Hartrey Avenue when they observed black Infiniti fail to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Lyons Street and Hartrey Avenue. The officers then stopped the Infiniti.

The officers made contact with the driver and registered owner of the Infiniti, Damian Vega. One of the officers observed a handgun on the transmission hump in the rear passenger area. Upon observing the handgun, the officer told the occupants to put their hands in plain view. Vega responded by stating that he had his gun in the car. The officers then secured the firearm and detained the vehicle’s occupants. The officers spoke to Vega, who admitted to being in possession of the handgun.

The officers continued their investigation, which included a search of the Infiniti. The search led to the recovery of four THC vape cartridges, one bag of cannabis edibles, two cannabis grinders containing suspect cannabis, a pipe, and a scale. A loaded 15-round 9 mm magazine was located and recovered from the glove compartment. Vega and a passenger were transported to the station for further investigation.

Once in the station, officers interviewed Vega. Vegas admitted that he was in possession of the handgun, a Canik TP9. He stated that he had purchased it legally and had it for protection.

The investigation revealed that Vega did have a valid FOID Card but did not have a Concealed Carry License. The Cook County State’s Attorney's Office reviewed the investigation and approved one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The investigation also revealed that Vega’s driver’s license was suspended.

The vehicle was towed from the scene. The passenger was released without charges.

Click here for a picture of the handgun.

Offender

Vega, Damian 24-year-old male

1200 block of McDaniel Avenue, Evanston, IL.

Charges

1 felony count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon

1 misdemeanor count of Possession of Cannabis by the Driver

1 misdemeanor count of Driving on a Suspended License

1 traffic citation for Disobeying a Stop Sign

Court Information

The Cook County Sheriff did not detain Vega. His next court date is April 16 at Skokie Courthouse at 1:30 p.m.