Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced today that Judge George Ford granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial an Addison convicted felon accused of possessing a semi-automatic handgun. Antwaion Edwards, 27, of the 200 block of Hale Street, appeared at First Appearance Court yesterday morning charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Use/Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony), and multiple misdemeanor and petty offenses including Resisting a Police Officer, DUI, and Transportation of Open Alcohol by a Driver. Edwards is currently on probation for a 2022 theft out of DuPage County.

On July 20, 2024, at approximately 5:04 a.m., Elmhurst Police performed an ‘assist to motorist’ on a vehicle parked on North Avenue. It is alleged that when officers approached the vehicle, a Dodge Ram 1500, they found Edwards asleep in the vehicle. It is further alleged that when Edwards awoke, he put the Dodge in drive and crashed into a police vehicle in an attempt to flee but was unable to as he was boxed in by squad cars. Following a brief foot chase through residential backyards westbound on North Avenue, officers caught Edwards and placed him under arrest. Officers allegedly found a loaded Glock 26 semi-automatic pistol with 16 rounds and one bullet in the chamber in the center console during their search of Edwards’ vehicle.

“Mr. Edwards’ criminal history and past felony convictions have cost him his right to legally own a gun,” Berlin said. “The allegation that Mr. Edwards, a convicted felon, was illegally in possession of a loaded weapon coupled with the allegations that after he had been drinking, he stopped his car on a busy road causing traffic to drive around him are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured as a result of Mr. Edwards’ alleged actions. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for their apprehension of the defendant in this case and for their ongoing commitment to public safety. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Anthony Raimondi and Philip Ungar for their efforts in securing strong charges against Mr. Edwards.”

“It is alleged Mr. Edwards was an intoxicated felon behind the wheel and possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol, therefore representing a dangerous compound threat to the public,” McLean said. “The officers of the Elmhurst Police Department will continue to proactively patrol our community and be relentless in our efforts to hold criminals accountable. I thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their support and legal guidance in this case.”

Edwards’ next court appearance is scheduled for August 19, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial where it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.