Gurnee police said they have charged a man on drug felony charges after an investigation that ended with the discovery of 2,000 fentanyl pills in the man’s apartment.
James W. Asma was taken into custody Wednesday following a traffic stop that was part of an ongoing investigation. After a Gurnee police dog alerted to the presence of narcotics, police said they found cocaine and a substantial amount of cash in the car.
Police said they discovered the pills after a search of Asma’s apartment in a complex off Delany Road.
He has been charged with the Class X felony of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver and manufacture. He was also charged with possession charges for cocaine and fentanyl, police said.
“This operation underscores our dedication to removing dangerous drugs from our community and protecting public safety,” Police Chief Brian Smith said “Establishing and maintaining public trust is essential, and we appreciate the community members who provided valuable information to assist us in this case.
“When law enforcement and the community work together, we can more effectively keep Gurnee safe,” Smith added. “We also commend the officers for their exceptional work in this operation, which exemplifies the strong relationships we strive to build in our efforts to reflect community values and enhance public safety.”
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A man has been convicted on weapons charges for a December 2022 shooting in a Waukegan parking lot, according to Lake County prosecutors.
A Lake County jury this week found Carnell Wesson, 31, guilty of being an armed habitual criminal and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
Authorities say he opened fire on a man in a vehicle after arguing with the man in the parking lot of an apartment building on Dec. 12, 2022. Police said they responded that evening to two separate locations, including a hospital, where Wesson and another man were found with gunshot wounds.
Police recovered surveillance security video that showed Wesson interacting with a man in a car before Wesson suddenly jumped back and started shooting. He then fled in an SUV. Officers recovered more than a dozen spent shell casings at the scene.
At the time, Wesson was free after posting a $15,000 cash bond in March 2022 on another weapons charge, prosecutors said.
Wesson was taken into custody in February 2023. He was convicted in the March 2022 charges last year.
Lake prosecutors said they will argue that Wesson should be sentenced to consecutive terms in the two cases, which would mean a maximum sentence of 60 years in prison. No date has been set yet for the sentencing.
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Antioch Police swore in their newest officer this month, a black labrador named Flo who will serve as a comfort dog.
Unlike other police dogs, who are trained to apprehend suspects and sniff out drugs and weapons, Flo’s job will be to provide emotional support and improve officer morale. She will also be available to help victims of trauma.
“Policing is a high-stress profession. Evidence suggests that the presence of comfort dogs help reduce anxiety and stress levels among officers,” Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said. “To see the staff smiling as Flo approaches them with her tail wagging looking for some attention has made our building feel more like a home away from home.”
Flo was trained as a service dog by an organization in Southern Illinois, and the Antioch Lions Club provided a donation to bring Flo to the community.
“The Antioch Lions Club has long been one of our greatest supporters, continually stepping forward to assist us with critical initiatives when funding may not otherwise exist. Their generosity knows no bounds,” Mayor Scott Gartner said. “Through their support of our comfort dog program, they are helping to care for our community’s protectors while at the same time helping support people in their worst moments. I am incredibly grateful for their continued support and partnership, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in our shared goal of enhancing the well-being of our community.”