Loaded Gun Stolen In South Carolina Found During Palatine Stop: Police

PALATINE, IL — A loaded handgun reported stolen in South Carolina was recovered during a traffic stop on East Dundee Road, leading to weapons and cannabis charges against a Hickory Hills man, Palatine police announced Friday.

Eduardo Salazar-Urquizo, 35, was charged with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, a Class 4 felony, and unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, a Class A misdemeanor, according to Deputy Chief David Brandwein.

Officers stopped the vehicle around 12:30 a.m. Oct. 18, in the 1100 block of East Dundee Road. During the stop, they discovered suspected cannabis inside the vehicle.

A subsequent search uncovered a loaded handgun on the driver’s side floorboard, according to the department’s release.

Investigators determined the gun had previously been reported stolen in South Carolina. Salazar-Urquizo did not have a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card or concealed carry license, police said.

The release did not specify why officers initially stopped the vehicle.

Salazar-Urquizo was taken into custody, processed and released. His initial court appearance was scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 23, at the Cook County Third Municipal District Courthouse in Rolling Meadows.

The charges are accusations. Salazar-Urquizo is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.