Evanston Teen Arrested on Gun Charges

A 19-year-old Evanston man is facing gun charges after police say he tried to hide a loaded weapon during a traffic stop Wednesday. The arrest comes as Evanston police are stepping up patrols after two people were shot within 24 hours of each other earlier this week.

Gary L. Spearman, of the 1800 block of Church Street, was in a car that was stopped by officers around 4 p.m. in the 1600 block of Emerson Street. Police say officers saw him reach down and attempt to hide something. A search of the vehicle found a loaded, .32 caliber semi-automatic weapon under a seat.

Spearman was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a felony, as well as possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card and possession of ammunition without a valid FOID card, both misdemeanors. He’s due in court July 22.

Police said the arrest is a result of the presence of extra officers on the streets after shootings Monday night and Tuesday afternoon.

“Persons illegally carrying firearms will be targeted by police along with strict enforcement to ensure that community safety is the number one priority of the department,” the department said in a press release.

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