Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean, and Wood Dale Chief of Police Chris Zito announced that the Court has granted the State’s motion to detain two Cook County men charged with weapons and drug offenses in separate incidents. This morning, Larry Adams, 34, of Streamwood, appeared in First Appearance Court before Judge Joshua Dieden charged with one count of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony), one count of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class 4 Felony), one count of Possession of Cannabis – More than 100 Grams Less Than 500 Grams (Class 4 Felony), and one count of Misdemeanor DUI. On September 1, David Salinas, 31, of Chicago, appeared in First Appearance Court before Judge Demetrios Panoushis charged with two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (one Class 2 Felony and one Class 4 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 4 Felony).

On September 2, Elmhurst police officers on patrol received information regarding a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee driving erratically. At approximately 9:01 p.m., an officer observed the Jeep, allegedly driven by Adams, near North Avenue and York Street where it allegedly made an illegal left turn out of a parking lot onto eastbound North Avenue. The officer conducted a traffic stop and allegedly observed Adams with bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. It is alleged that the officer also observed a loaded “ghost gun” Polymer 80/PF-9400 handgun with one bullet in the chamber and a thirty-round magazine in plain view on the front passenger seat. It is further alleged that 133 grams of cannabis was found in two baggies on the rear passenger seat of the Jeep. Adams was taken into custody at this time.

On August 31, at approximately 4:20 p.m., a Wood Dale police officer on patrol observed a Ford F-150 parked at a liquor store. It is alleged that a male, later identified as Salinas, was standing on the passenger side of the truck in the parking lot snorting a line of cocaine off his hand. A short time later, the officer conducted a traffic stop on the Ford for allegedly disobeying a stop sign. It is alleged that as the officer spoke to Salinas outside the Ford, he observed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun with seven rounds in Salinas’ right pant pocket. Salinas was taken into custody at this time. It is further alleged that officers found approximately .7 grams of cocaine in Salinas’ wallet at the time.

“As evidenced by these two arrests, law enforcement throughout DuPage County remains vigilant and proactive in their efforts and commitment to public safety,” Berlin said. “Due to their criminal history, neither defendant is legally allowed to possess a gun and thanks to the efforts of the Elmhurst and Wood Dale Police Departments there are two fewer illegal guns on the streets.”

“I credit the police officers who bravely took this intoxicated driver into custody while within his reach was a ghost gun loaded with an extended capacity magazine,” McLean said.

“I commend our dedicated officers who acted on their training to remove a dangerous habitual offender from our streets,” Zito said.

Adams’ next court appearance is scheduled for September 30 for arraignment before Judge Brian Telander. Salinas’ next court appearance is scheduled for September 30 for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.