Rockford Traffic Stop Turns Into Arrest of Teen on Weapons Charges

A Rockford teenager has been charged after a traffic stop on Thursday (4/17) revealed weapons and ammo in the vehicle.

Traffic Stop Leads to Weapons Charges

According to a Rockford PD press release, officers from the SCOPE team conducted a traffic stop on Thursday afternoon around 4:30 pm in the 3100 block of Searles Avenue on the city's north end.

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According to the report, the vehicle in question was involved in an incident in late March. During the traffic stop, officers discovered ammunition and a gun light inside the vehicle.

Charges Filed Following Investigation

After reviewing the details of both the April 17 and March 29 incidents, the WInnebago County State's Attorney's Office authorized several charges against 18-year-old Austin Olmstead of Rockford:

• Aggravated Possession of a Weapon
• Possession of a Firearm with Defaced Serial Number
• No Valid FOID Card

Olmstead was taken into custody and lodged in the Winnebago County Jail, and with all criminal proceedings, the charges are accusations, and he is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Public Asked to Come Forward

The Rockford Police Department is asking for anyone who may have information about either of these incidents to contact them via Facebook, X, or call 815-966-2900.

If you want to leave an anonymous tip, contact Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.