Rockford, IL – A Machensey Park man was taken into custody in Rockford after police allegedly found a stolen firearm during a traffic stop last week.
According to the Rockford Police Department, officers with the Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement (SCOPE) unit stopped a vehicle in the 400 block of Harrison Avenue on Thursday, August 28. During the stop, officers allegedly observed and recovered a satchel from inside the vehicle that contained a loaded pistol along with additional ammunition.
Police said the firearm had been reported stolen out of Beloit, Wisconsin. The driver, identified as Emmanuel Shanklin, 37, of Machesney Park, was arrested at the scene and later booked into the Winnebago County Jail.
The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized several charges against Shanklin, including possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm without a valid FOID, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, and a traffic offense. Officials confirmed he has since been released pending further court proceedings.
Rockford police continue to emphasize enforcement through their SCOPE unit, which focuses on proactive patrols in neighborhoods to address crime and public safety concerns. Authorities have not released additional details about the vehicle stop or what initially prompted officers to conduct it.
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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