An arrest for minor charges took a surprising turn when a routine courthouse security check unveiled a loaded firearm hidden in the suspect’s clothing, authorities said.
Philip Robinson, 23, was initially detained by Chicago police officers last Tuesday night, July 28, on South Laflin Street for minor cannabis possession and resisting arrest, according to CPD records. Typically, such charges would result in a swift release.
However, all individuals entering the courthouse must pass through security screening, which includes an X-ray scan for those transferring into sheriff’s custody.
On the morning of July 29, Robinson underwent this screening at the 26th Street courthouse. The results were unusual.
Officials reported that the X-ray machine displayed the outline of a Taurus 9mm handgun, loaded with 13 rounds, located in Robinson’s groin area. The weapon was confiscated by the sheriff’s office, and the case was forwarded to prosecutors to consider felony charges.
Prosecutors approved three charges: possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID card, aggravated unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon. Under the SAFE-T Act, Robinson would have been released based on the initial misdemeanor charges, but Judge John Hock ordered his detention after learning of the courthouse discovery. Robinson now awaits trial.
Key questions remain: if Robinson possessed the firearm as alleged, how did he acquire it? Was there a failure in the police search?
These questions are crucial, especially in light of a previous incident three months ago where an arrestee concealed a weapon and used it to fatally shoot a police officer. Following that event, the union president for Chicago police expressed concerns over officers being less thorough in searches due to potential complaints.
The Chicago Police Department has initiated an internal investigation into the incident, according to a spokesperson.
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