Chicago, IL – A 38-year-old Chicago woman is facing multiple charges after Cook County Sheriff’s Police allegedly found a loaded firearm during a late-night traffic stop in the city’s River North neighborhood. The stop occurred around 11:25 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, near the 700 block of North Orleans Street, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the woman was driving a white Dodge Challenger with a suspended registration when officers saw an open bottle of vodka thrown from the car. The driver, identified as Ronda Richardson of Chicago, was asked to step out of the vehicle as officers prepared to tow it.
According to investigators, a search of the car uncovered a loaded firearm. Richardson did not have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or a concealed carry license. She was arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of ammunition without a FOID.
The sheriff’s office said Richardson was also cited for having an open container of alcohol and operating a vehicle with suspended registration. Authorities reminded the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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