DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King announced Friday that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain pre-trial a convicted felon accused of possessing multiple handguns.
Rakeem Wilton, 28, 4808 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago was arrested for armed habitual criminal (Class X felony), one count of unlawful use/possession of a weapon by a felon (Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, driving without a valid license, improper lighting, use of an unsafe tire, improper lane use, no turn signal light, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and transportation/possession of open alcohol by a driver at 5:34 a.m. at Fourth and Madison streets.
Police also arrested his passenger, Jenae S. Kinslow, 26, 3924 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown, Ohio, for felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon — loaded firearm on person.
When police attempted to stop Wilton for improper lane use and driving without headlights, he fled and crashed into a raised curb at Vine Street and Hinsdale Avenue, police reported.
Wilton then allegedly exited the Jeep and ran about 50 feet before being taken into custody, the state’s attorney’s press release stated. It is also alleged that during the pursuit, Wilton threw an object, later determined to be a loaded .380 caliber Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard pistol with five rounds in the magazine, out of the car window. It is further alleged that on the front drivers side floorboard of the Jeep, officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber Springfield Armory XD-40 pistol with one round in the chamber.
As a convicted felony, Wilton cannot legally possess a gun.
“The allegations that Mr. Wilton, a convicted felon, was illegally in possession of two loaded weapons in a quiet, residential area near two elementary schools, attempted to flee from police both in the Jeep and on foot and was found with open alcohol in the vehicle, are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in DuPage County,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, no innocent motorists or pedestrians were injured as a result of Mr. Wilton’s alleged actions.”
He praised Hinsdale police for their proactive policing and for apprehending Wilton.
King returned the compliment.
“We appreciate the attentiveness of DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and his staff, especially in the prosecution of these gun cases,” King said.
Wilton is set to be arraigned Sept. 30. If found guilty, Wilton faces a penalty of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
