Suburban Chicago Men Charged with Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons Following Traffic Stop
Two suburban Chicago men, Joel Saldana, 24, of Park Forest, and Jesus Ramirez, 21, of Lynwood, have been charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon after two loaded guns were discovered during a traffic stop in Chicago Heights. The incident occurred on August 28 when Cook County sheriff’s deputies stopped a Dodge Charger near West 26th and Aberdeen streets due to the vehicle lacking a front registration. Investigators also suspected the presence of marijuana in the vehicle. Both Saldana, the driver, and Ramirez, the passenger, were asked to exit the vehicle for a drug investigation. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly revealed two loaded firearms, one of which was equipped with a laser and flashlight. Both men claimed ownership of one of the guns after being read their Miranda warnings. Authorities confirmed that neither individual possessed a FOID card or a concealed carry license. Ramirez was also on probation for a previous felony gun possession conviction.