Homewood, Illinois — A routine traffic stop on Interstate 294 led to a felony charge after a loaded firearm was recovered, prompting a criminal case in south suburban Cook County.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, a sheriff’s police officer observed a Chevrolet Impala speeding on Interstate 294 at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 3. The vehicle was stopped in the 17400 block of South Halsted Street in Homewood.
During a conversation with the driver, identified as 36-year-old Christopher Halycross of Indiana, the officer allegedly learned information that led to a search of the vehicle. Authorities said a loaded firearm was recovered during the traffic stop.
Halycross was subsequently charged with a felony offense related to the firearm, the sheriff’s office said. Additional details regarding the specific charge, bond status, or court date were not immediately released.
Officials emphasized that the incident began as a traffic enforcement stop for speeding on the interstate before escalating into a weapons-related case. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office.
Interstate 294 is a heavily traveled tollway connecting multiple south suburban communities and serving as a key commuter route for drivers traveling between Illinois and Indiana. Law enforcement agencies routinely conduct traffic enforcement in the corridor due to high speeds and volume.
Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case may be of particular relevance to daily commuters and young workers who regularly travel the Interstate 294 corridor during afternoon hours.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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