Crime & Safety

Police: Pot, Stolen Beretta Found in Frankfort Man's Car

Michael A. Araujo, 18, was charged with possession of cannabis and felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by Oak Lawn Police after a July 29 traffic search. He told police he didn't know how the stolen gun got in car.

An 18-year-old, Frankfort man was charged with possession of cannabis, drug equipment and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after a traffic search, reports said.

observed a car traveling at a high rate of speed, quickly changing lanes and squealing its tires down Cicero Avenue around 1:56 a.m. July 29. Police said the car swerved multiple times as it continued eastbound on 103rd Street.

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The officer stopped the car at 103rd Street and Kostner Avenue, where he encountered the driver identified as Michael A. Araujo. When the officer asked if he knew why he was being stopped, Araujo allegedly said, “No, I’m lost.”

Araujo proceeded to tell the officer that he was lost and looking for his family because they were leaving for Texas the next day, reports said. The officer said the inside of the car smelled like pot and that Araujo’s eyes were bloodshot and glassy, plus he had a strong odor of alcohol.

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As more police arrived on the scene, Araujo was asked to step out of the car and submit to field sobriety tests. Police said Araujo’s performance on the tests indicated he was impaired.

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When Araujo refused to take a Breathalyzer test, he was arrested. According to the report, police found a one-hitter—a smal pipe used to smoke marijuana—in the glove compartment and a bag in the trunk. Police said the bag contained a camping tent and a loaded Beretta with five hollow point rounds in the magazine.

When police asked if he had a FOID card, Araujo allegedly asked, “Why is there a gun in my car?” Police said he also changed his story about using the tent for camping.

Araujo was taken to the Oak Lawn police station, where a one-hitter was discovered in his sock and a small clear plastic baggie containing what appeared to be cannabis in his waistband, reports said.

The officer asked if he would be willing to take a urine test. According to the report, Araujo laughed and said, “If I piss I’ll make that s--- explode.”

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Police said that Araujo voluntarily signed a written statement attesting to the gun found in his car that was reported stolen out of Kansas City, Mo.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office approved felony charges for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Araujo was also charged with possession of a firearm without a FOID card and multiple traffic offenses. He was being held pending bond on July 30.

Araujo’s next court appearance is on Aug. 22 in Bridgeview.

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