Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Westmont Chief of Police James Gunther announced that Judge Michael Reidy has denied pre-trial release for Canutie Collins, a 20-year-old from Westmont. Collins is accused of possessing a loaded firearm modified to function as a fully automatic weapon. He faces charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Machine Gun (Class X Felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony). His co-defendant, Mathias Henyard, 18, from Chicago, also appeared in court charged with Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.

On April 11, 2024, Westmont police officers spotted a blue 2016 Nissan Rogue reported stolen from Rockford. The vehicle was seen on Oakley Drive South with Collins and Henyard inside. After the vehicle left the parking lot, officers followed it to another location where they observed the occupants allegedly removing the rear license plate before leaving again. When Collins returned to the car, officers attempted to arrest him. It is alleged that he tried to flee but was captured after a brief struggle. Officers reportedly found Henyard in the driver's seat attempting to escape on foot after initially driving toward them.

During Collins' arrest, officers allegedly saw part of a handgun protruding from his backpack. The weapon was identified as an altered Glock 19 capable of firing automatically.

“Public safety remains the top priority of my office and the allegation that Mr. Collins unlawfully possessed an extremely dangerous, fully-loaded gun capable of firing as a machine gun is outrageous,” Berlin stated. He commended the police department for their efforts in removing such weapons from public access.

Gunther emphasized the danger posed by illegally modified firearms and highlighted ongoing efforts to combat this issue alongside stolen vehicles: “Illegally modified firearms are a danger to society."

The next court date for both defendants is set for May 6, 2024.

The public is reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.