Evanston Traffic Stop Leads To Felony Weapon Charge Against Wheeling Man

EVANSTON, IL — An Evanston traffic stop on Emerson Street last week led to a felony weapon charge against a 23-year-old Wheeling man, according to Evanston police.

The stop happened at about 10:05 p.m. in the 1100 block of Emerson Street after Evanston Police Department Special Operations Group detectives said they saw a vehicle commit multiple traffic violations.

During the stop, detectives said they detected a strong odor of burnt cannabis coming from the vehicle, according to police. During the investigation, police said the driver admitted to having smoked cannabis earlier in the day and stated that cannabis was inside the vehicle.

Detectives determined that the driver did not have a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License, according to police. A search of the driver then led to the recovery of a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun concealed on his person, police reported.

Police said the firearm was equipped with an extended magazine containing 18 rounds of ammunition and one round chambered. The driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Evanston Police Department for processing, according to police.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case and approved one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, a Class 4 felony, police said.

Evanston police identified the defendant as Diego T. Castillo, 23, of the 200 block of Brougham in Wheeling.

Castillo appeared for a pretrial hearing on June 2 at 1:30 p.m. in Room 105 of the Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Road in Skokie, according to the court information provided by police. Following the hearing, he was released pending future court proceedings.