Crime & Safety
Cook County, IL: CTA Bus Stop Encounter Leads to Felony Gun Charge
Chicago, IL – A 50 year old man is facing a felony weapons charge after Cook County sheriff's officers allegedly discovered a loaded handgun during an encounter at a Chicago Transit Authority bus stop
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-12T23:33:18.579Z
Chicago, IL – A 50 year old man is facing a felony weapons charge after Cook County sheriff 's officers allegedly discovered a loaded handgun during an encounter at a Chicago Transit Authority bus stop on the city's North Side.
According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred September 28, 2026, at approximately 2:29 p.m., while officers assigned to the Sheriff's Police Mass Transit Unit Bike Team were patrolling the North Avenue CTA bus route.
Deputies reportedly noticed a man actively smoking at a bus stop, which authorities described as a violation of CTA ordinance.
During the encounter, officers observed what appeared to be the distinct outline of a firearm in the man's right pocket.
Authorities identified the man as Peter Jackson, 50.
A subsequent search allegedly revealed a Taurus semiautomatic handgun, along with a 12 round magazine containing eight live rounds of ammunition.
Investigators also determined that Jackson had an expired Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification card dating back to 2012 and did not possess a concealed carry license.
Following the discovery, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case.
A few hours after the encounter, prosecutors charged Jackson with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a felony offense under Illinois law.
The Sheriff's Office highlighted the incident in a public statement released Monday, October 12, describing the circumstances that led officers to discover the firearm.
Authorities did not report that the weapon was discharged or that anyone was injured during the encounter.
The department also did not provide additional information about Jackson's next scheduled court appearance or the status of the criminal proceedings.
The case remains subject to the judicial process.
Jackson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.