Chicago police made a significant number of arrests during Mexican Independence Day festivities over the weekend, with at least 18 individuals taken into custody, according to court records. Seven of these arrests involved felony gun possession charges, with five of the individuals coming from the suburbs.
The exact number of arrests made by CPD officers during the various celebrations is not known, but it is believed to be much higher. CWBChicago will continue to update its reporting as more information becomes available from CPD and the courts.
Among the most serious charges were related to illegal gun possession. Here are some notable cases:
Normando Riquelme, 33, was arrested at the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade on Sunday. Police observed Riquelme in a group of men who suddenly dispersed, with Riquelme clutching a heavy object in his pants pocket. Upon detaining him, officers found a loaded revolver and a small .25-caliber pistol on his person. Riquelme, a known gang member, is facing multiple charges, including unlawful use of a weapon and misdemeanor battery.
Daniel Bueno Carranza, 40, of Hoffman Estates, was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after officers spotted a gun in his waistband while he was trying to break up a fight.
Irving Diaz, 23, of Berwyn, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after police found a loaded 9-millimeter handgun in his possession, which had been reported stolen. Diaz was on probation for a previous weapon offense at the time of his arrest.
Anthony Hernandez, 19, of Arlington Heights, was arrested for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after officers discovered a loaded ghost gun in his possession during a traffic stop.
Jocelyn Lara, 18, of Waukegan, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after passing a gun to a passenger in her vehicle during a traffic stop.
Adrian Ramirez, 18, of Berwyn, was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon after officers found a gun in his possession during a traffic stop in the Loop.
Antonio Rosales, 21, was arrested at an illegal street takeover and charged with unlawful use of a weapon after officers witnessed him adjusting a firearm in his shorts.
In a separate incident in the Loop, Leonard Heredia, 19, was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of traffic after a chaotic scene unfolded involving a large crowd, alcohol being thrown at officers, and fireworks being set off.
The arrests made during the Mexican Independence Day festivities highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on illegal gun possession to ensure public safety during large-scale events and celebrations.
Alberto, 23, Faces Charges of Resisting and Obstructing Traffic
Alberto, a 23-year-old man, has found himself in legal trouble after being charged with both resisting and obstructing traffic. The incident took place during the Mexican Independence Day celebrations, where Alberto’s actions led to his arrest.
According to reports, Alberto’s arrest was not the only one during the festivities. Other arrests related to Mexican Independence Day included men from Elgin, Niles, and Chicago who were charged with misdemeanor battery. Additionally, three men were charged with misdemeanors following a gang disturbance near 26th and Sawyer, along with a woman who was charged with misdemeanor battery.
Aside from these incidents, there were also non-gun-related arrests during the celebrations. Two individuals were charged with aggravated battery of peace officers in separate incidents in the Loop. A woman from Chicago was arrested on Saturday, while a man from Evanston faced similar charges on Sunday.
The arrests made during Mexican Independence Day serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and order during public events. Law enforcement officials work diligently to ensure the safety of all attendees, and individuals like Alberto who engage in disruptive behavior face consequences for their actions.