By Brian Stanley
Police seized another gun during a traffic stop — the sixth time a firearm has been found in a vehicle in the last nine weeks.
“The Chief recently initiated a big increase in our traffic enforcement efforts and this has been one of the results,” Deputy Chief Eric Allen noted.
Shortly after 3 p.m. Feb. 4, an officer on patrol spotted a silver Oldsmobile Alero with a cracked windshield near Seil Road and Route 59, Allen said.
The Alero went faster than the posted speed limit and the officer pulled the vehicle over near Sarah Avenue, according to reports.
The Oldsmobile was driven by Brandon M. Montgomery, 26, of the 1800 block of Great Falls Drive in Plainfield and contained one passenger.
“The officer approached the vehicle and could see roaches – the ends of marijuana cigarettes – by the gear shift,” Allen said. “When he asked about them, the driver passed them to him and he could smell the odor of cannabis.”
Police had the occupants exit the vehicle and reportedly found a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol under the driver’s seat. The weapon had a full magazine and a hollow-point round in the chamber, Allen said.
Montgomery’s firearm owner’s identification card has been revoked, according to police.
He was arrested on a charge of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and booked into the Will County jail.
According to Will County court records, Montgomery has received several citations for traffic violations. He was ticketed for speeding by Joliet police in October and by Shorewood police in November.
“I don’t think there’s a rhyme or reason to an increase in gun (recovery),” Chief Aaron Klima said. “It’s something we’re always going to look for and if they’re out there, I hope we get them.”