An 18-year-old Evanston man is facing aggravated unlawful use of a weapon charges after police say they found a ghost gun in his glove box after stopping him for speeding on Crawford Avenue.
Cmdr. Ryan Glew says Sidney Akinde, of the 3300 block of Culver Street in northwest Evanston, was driving south on Crawford near Harrison Street about 1:50 p.m. Monday when spotted by a traffic patrol sergeant.
The sergeant said Akinde’s 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt had no front license plate and was traveling at 53 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone.
After stopping the car at Crawford Avenue and Church Street, the sergeant says he saw the driver closing the car’s glove box.
Glew says Akinde admitted he did not have a driver’s license and made a statement creating suspicion he may have placed a gun in the glove box.
After Akinde exited the vehicle and was secured, Glew says, the sergeant searched the glove box and found an unassembled semi-automatic 9mm handgun, complete with the frame, the slide and a loaded extended magazine.
Further investigation revealed the gun did not have a serial number, commonly referred to a “ghost gun.” Akinde did not have a FOID card or a concealed carry license. The Cobalt was towed from the scene.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved a felony charge for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Akinde was also charged with two misdemeanors and was issued several traffic citations.
Akinde received a $15,000D bond. His next court date is May 11, at 9 a.m. at the Skokie Courthouse.