Gun Stolen 50 Years Ago Recovered During Traffic Stop

Police arrested two men in the Chicago suburbs on June 1 after a traffic stop and subsequent vehicle search revealed a stolen gun from 1969 that was apparently in their possession.

Officers initially pulled the car over for speeding in Buffalo Grove, Ill. Police believed the 20-year-old driver was showing signs of impairment and arrested him. Police searched the car and discovered a .22 caliber revolver. A computer check on the gun revealed it had been reported stolen 50 years ago from Detroit, Mich.

When questioned about the firearm, the passenger, aged 18, allegedly told police he owned the gun, but he had no valid firearm owner’s identification card (FOID) or concealed carry license.

“The firearm, according to police, was found to contain seven spent cartridges in the eight-round chamber.”

The passenger was arrested on one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon without a FOID or concealed carry license. The driver was charged with a traffic violation and two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence.

“This is a classic example in that there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop, and additionally, traffic stops often lead to the discovery of serious crimes,” Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steven Casstevens said in an announcement of the arrests.