4 Illinois Men Arrested After Traffic Stop Turns Into Major Gun Bust

A late-night traffic stop resulted in multiple weapons-related charges for four individuals on Wednesday night (5/14).

According to a press release from the Rockford Police Department, officers attempted to pull over a vehicle around 11:15 pm Wednesday near 10th Avenue and 23rd Street.

Traffic Stop Turns Into Major Gun Bust

Five occupants were inside the car, including one juvenile, and during the traffic stop, officers uncovered a huge stash of firearms.

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Inside the vehicle was a loaded handgun with a drum magazine, two loaded handguns with extended magazines, and another loaded handgun with an extended magazine and a defaced serial number.

Officers also seized over 38 grams of cannabis that was found inside the vehicle, according to the RPD report.

Four Facing Felony Charges

After going over the details of the case, the Winnebago County State's Attorney's Office has authorized the following charges:

• Juvenile Male, 18, Rockford: Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, No Valid FOID, Cannabis Possession
• Gerardo Zamora, 18, Belvidere: Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon with a Drum Magazine, No Valid FOID
• Michael Cochran, 26, Rockford: Unlawful Use of Weapons by a Felon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Gang Member, and Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
• Juan Gilbert, 19, Harvard: Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, Obstructing Identification

According to the press release, all of the adult suspects were lodged in the Winnebago County Jail, while the 18-year-old Male was lodged in juvenile detention.

Police Seeking Public's Help

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900, or anonymous tips can always be left with Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.