Nothing Routine About this Traffic Stop

 Posted on May 22, 2012 in Traffic Offenses

When two Lakeshore deputies conducted a routine traffic stop Saturday night, they discovered a missing person, a loaded gun and crack cocaine. The deputies stopped the car, a 1998 Isuzu, near Grand Avenue and Brookside Drive in Gurnee.

The operator of the car, Samuel Alcock, 48, of the 200 block of West Street in Waukegan, was found to be driving with a suspended license. He also did not have the vehicle insured.

One of Alcock’s passengers, Gordon L. Johnson, 45, of the 1200 block of Grove Street in North Chicago, is on parole for a homicide and deputies found crack cocaine in his possession.

The deputies also discovered a female, who had been reported missing and endangered from the Fox Lake area, in the vehicle. Her age has not been released by authorities.

All three vehicle occupants were taken into custody. The police then searched the vehicle and discovered a loaded handgun, located on the front passenger floor, near where Johnson had been sitting.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Alcock was charged with driving with a suspended license and driving with no insurance. He was released on a personal recognizance bond. Johnson was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He was ordered held on $40,000 and his next court date is scheduled for May 8.

Depending on the circumstances, a routine traffic stop can escalate into very serious charges for both drivers and passengers. If you find yourself in a situation like this, consult with an experienced Chicago traffic attorney to find out what your rights are.