Man charged after bringing loaded AR15 to Antioch party

ANTIOCH – A 23-year-old Beach Park man faces weapons charges in connection with bringing a loaded weapon to a party Oct. 28, authorities said.

Tabiest Hearton has been charged with three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 2 felony, and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony.

Police said the man brought a weapon loaded with green tip .223 rounds, known as “penetrator rounds” with enhanced ability to pierce through hard targets, to a party in Antioch, according to a village news release. The AR-15 was found on the floorboard of his vehicle with the safety disengaged.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Oct. 28, Antioch Police responded to a loud noise complaint about a large party in the 200 block of Ida Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were met by a crowd exceeding 300 people. With the help of neighboring police agencies, Antioch Police were able to clear the area after more than four hours, according to the release.

In addition to Hearton’s arrest, numerous citations were issued to the homeowner and occupants of the house. Citations included social hosting, disorderly conduct and property code violations.

Hearton could face up to 12 years in prison if he is found guilty on all charges. He was in First Appearance Court on Oct. 29 and was ordered held, according to the release.

Antioch Police Chief Geoffery Guttschow said more charges could be forthcoming.

“Any property owner in our community that allows these types of lawless and dangerous events to take place will be subject to the full resources of our department and legal team,” Guttschow said in the release. “We support our residents having fun and want to encourage holding events in a safe and controlled manner and within lawful boundaries. The acts at this party infringed on neighbors’ rights to feel safe and secure in their homes, which we as a community cannot accept.”

Nine other agencies assisted Antioch Police and responded to the incident: Illinois State Police, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lindenhurst, North Chicago, Waukegan, Mundelein, Gurnee, Grayslake and Lake Villa police departments.

Anyone with information related to this crime, including security camera video, or anyone who may have been the victim of an unreported crime, should call the Antioch Police dispatch center at 847-270-9111 or email crime@antioch.il.gov.