Evanston Police Charge 3 After Guns, Drugs Found During Traffic Stop

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston police have charged three adults after an investigation that was part of its targeted violence suppression operations launched in response to recent shootings.

Police said the operations are intended to disrupt criminal activity, improve public safety and help prevent further violence.

At about 7:44 p.m. on April 25, police responded to the 1100 block of McDaniel Avenue for reports of suspicious vehicles. According to the department, a community member reported several people wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks near two vehicles parked by a vacant property. The caller reported that the people were exchanging items and smoking cannabis.

Police said officers found the two vehicles and conducted investigative stops. One vehicle had five occupants, and during the investigation, officers detected the odor of cannabis coming from inside, according to the department. Police reported recovering cannabis, psilocybin and suspected controlled substances from backpacks in the vehicle. A loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver was also recovered from the passenger area, police said.

The five occupants were detained and taken to the police station. Police said that during a property inventory search, officers found a loaded Heckler & Koch .45-caliber handgun in a concealed compartment inside one of the backpacks. No illegal items were found in the second vehicle, and the occupants of that vehicle were released at the scene, according to the department.

The Cook County Assistant State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved charges against Moe Kyaw, 20, of Chicago; Adam Duplechin, 18, of Chicago; and Jayden Herrera, 20, of Chicago.

Kyaw was charged with armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of cannabis. Duplechin was charged with possession of cannabis. Herrera was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of cannabis.

Police said a 17-year-old juvenile was referred to juvenile court for aggravated possession of a weapon. One male subject was released without charges.

Police said the vehicle was seized and impounded pending an administrative hearing.