Cook County, IL – A Lynwood man already facing a prior gun case is now charged with a felony weapons violation after a loaded firearm was allegedly found in an SUV during a late-night traffic stop in Chicago’s South Loop on Sunday.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, officers with the Sheriff’s Police Community Safety Team spotted a gray Chevrolet SUV with expired registration around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 in the 1200 block of South Wabash Avenue. When officers approached the vehicle, they reported seeing open alcohol containers inside and asked the driver and two passengers to step out.
Officials said one passenger—identified as Ronald Pledger, 24—allegedly ran from the scene. Officers chased him and took him into custody in the 1800 block of South Michigan Avenue.
While searching the SUV before towing it, officers located a loaded firearm with an extended magazine under the seat where Pledger had been sitting, according to the report. Police said Pledger did not have a valid FOID or concealed carry license.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved an aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon charge, along with misdemeanor counts of resisting/obstructing a peace officer and possession of ammunition without a FOID. Authorities noted that Pledger also had an active aggravated unlawful possession case from April 2025.
He was ordered to Cook County Jail pending a Nov. 25 initial court appearance at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse. Officials remind the public that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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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