Calumet City man arrested in DeKalb on weapons charges after stolen handgun found in vehicle

DeKALB – A Calumet City man was arrested after police found a loaded stolen handgun following a traffic stop Saturday evening in DeKalb.

Edwin Castillo, 18, of the 500 block of Harrison Avenue, Calumet City, was arrested and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony, and possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owner’s Identification card, a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted of the felony, Castillo could face up to three years in prison.

According to DeKalb County court documents, DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies pulled over a white Chevrolet Traverse with a driver and four other passengers at 7:12 p.m. Saturday at a gas station on East Lincoln Highway near Peace Road in DeKalb. Castillo was identified as the driver and allegedly did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the traffic stop, per the documents.

“[The deputy] noted that the driver’s side middle seat passenger ... was moving a large blanket over the center floor area directly behind the center console of the vehicle as he exited,” court documents state. “During the tow inventory of the vehicle, a loaded black and silver Smith and Wesson ... was located under the blanket and under a plastic bag on the floor of the second row, directly behind the center console.”

The serial number associated with the handgun came back as stolen out of Indiana, according to court documents. After being questioned by police, Castillo was transported to DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore.

DeKalb County Judge Philip Montgomery said in court Monday that Castillo had no prior criminal history and was at low risk for re-offense. He set a $5,000 recognizance bond for Castillo, meaning Castillo was released from jail on his signature.

Castillo is due back in court via Zoom at 9 a.m. on Feb. 14 for an arraignment hearing.