The beautiful weather on Monday brought out plenty of people to Chicago’s lakefront, but unfortunately, it also brought out some individuals with firearms. According to Chicago Police Department and court records, at least three people were arrested for allegedly possessing guns at the lakefront between noon and 10 p.m.
One of the individuals arrested was Deseanta Washington, 34, who was taken into custody around 9:30 p.m. at 31st Street Beach. He is facing charges of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Police officers conducting bag checks during a “teen trend” event at the beach noticed Washington approaching with a suspicious object in his hoodie pocket. After a short foot pursuit, officers recovered a firearm in a grassy area, which Washington admitted to carrying for protection.
Another individual arrested was Lacardo Delgado-Gonzalez, 33, who was taken into custody around 1:45 p.m. in the 1700 block of North La Salle Drive. During a routine bag check at North Avenue Beach, Delgado-Gonzalez became nervous and tried to flee the scene. He was seen tossing a small handgun into a bush as he attempted to escape. Delgado-Gonzalez claimed he carried the gun for protection but insisted he didn’t bother anyone.
The third person arrested was Lawrence Pope, 23, who was taken into custody around 4 p.m. at Oakwood Beach. Officers patrolling the beach noticed Pope smoking a cigarillo that smelled like burnt cannabis in a car blocking an emergency driveway. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded handgun and suspected ecstasy pills in his possession.
In court proceedings, Judge Antara Rivera granted the state’s detention petition for Washington, ordering him to remain in jail. However, she denied detention petitions for Delgado-Gonzalez and Pope, instead placing them on ankle monitors.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of gun safety and the need for heightened security measures at public places like Chicago’s lakefront. It is crucial for law enforcement to continue monitoring and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
