Rockford, IL – A Rockford teenager is facing multiple charges after police allegedly found him in possession of a 3D-printed machine gun during a traffic stop Monday night.
According to Rockford Police SCOPE (Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement), officers pulled over a vehicle near Charles Street and 29th Street around 9:35 p.m. on September 15, 2025. Authorities said one of the rear passengers, a 16-year-old male, attempted to flee the vehicle but was taken into custody following a brief struggle.
Police reported that the teen allegedly had a fully-automatic handgun with a laser light attachment, an extended magazine, and additional ammunition. Officers recovered the weapon after the arrest.
The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged the juvenile with unlawful use of a weapon-machine gun, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of ammunition, felony resisting arrest, and obstructing identification. He is currently lodged in juvenile detention.
The case remains under review, and police have not released further details about the vehicle stop or the other occupants.
Residents in Rockford and surrounding Winnebago County have expressed growing concern over the rise of untraceable “ghost guns,” including 3D-printed firearms, which have been increasingly linked to juvenile arrests across Illinois.
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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