A 28-year-old man faces a felony weapon charge following a traffic stop in Harvey.
Cook County Sheriff’s Police pulled over a Chevrolet Impala around 8 p.m. on January 30.
The stop occurred in the 100 block of West 159th Street for a traffic violation.
Officers reported a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.
Police also observed what appeared to be burnt cannabis inside the car.
The driver was identified as Blake McGary of Lynwood.
Officers asked McGary to step out of the vehicle to conduct a narcotics search.
During the search, police discovered a loaded firearm equipped with an extended magazine.
Investigators determined McGary did not possess a FOID card or a concealed carry license.
Authorities took McGary into custody at the scene.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a charge of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.
McGary appeared at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse the following day.
A judge ordered his release from custody on January 31.
Recent History
The 159th Street corridor in Harvey has remained a high-priority area for the Sheriff’s Community Safety Team.
This specific stretch of road often sees increased patrols due to its connection to major South Suburban thoroughfares.
In recent months, traffic stops in the South Suburbs have frequently led to the recovery of “extended magazines.”
These devices allow handguns to hold significantly more ammunition than standard factory models.
Local residents have expressed growing concern over the presence of illegal firearms during routine traffic encounters.
Similar weapon recoveries have been reported in nearby Dolton and South Holland during multi-jurisdictional task force operations.
The Sheriff’s Police continue to use “odor of cannabis” as a standard probable cause for vehicle searches in these zones.
Despite the release of the defendant, the felony charge remains a serious class of offense in Cook County.
Legal experts note that aggravated unlawful use of a weapon is a primary focus for local prosecutors aiming to curb gun violence.
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
