Arlington Heights, IL — Three men were arrested after officers recovered two loaded handguns during a traffic stop Thursday night, prompting weapons charges and an ongoing case review.
According to the Arlington Heights Police Department, the stop occurred around 7:55 p.m. April 2 near the 300 block of East Seegers Road. Officers from the department’s Special Operations Group, working with patrol units, stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and made contact with three occupants.
Police said officers observed a loaded handgun magazine protruding from the sweatshirt pocket of one passenger, identified as Leonel Cazares-Leon, 20, of Rolling Meadows. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered two 9mm handguns—one beneath the front passenger seat and another in the rear pocket of the driver’s seat.
The occupants were identified as Emmanuel Cruz-Valencia, 21, and Mario Cazares, 19, both of Rolling Meadows, along with Cazares-Leon. Authorities said none of the individuals possessed a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or concealed carry permit.
According to police, Cazares-Leon and Cazares allegedly admitted to possessing the firearms and attempting to conceal them when officers initiated the stop. All three were taken into custody and transported to the Arlington Heights Police Department.
Cazares-Leon and Cazares were each charged with one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony, along with misdemeanor weapons and ammunition violations. Cruz-Valencia faces two misdemeanor counts, including unlawful use of a weapon and possession of ammunition without a valid FOID card.
All three individuals were released pending initial court appearances.
The incident may be relevant to commuters and residents traveling through the Seegers Road corridor during evening hours.
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