Documented Gang Member Had Gun, Ammo In Car: Aurora Police

AURORA, IL – A traffic stop uncovered a Glock handgun and loaded magazines, leading to the arrest of a documented gang member, Aurora police said.

At around 5:43 p.m. Sept. 9, officers stopped Chevrolet Silverado in the 0–100 block of South West Street after seeing the driver "commit a non-moving violation," police said.

During the stop, officers saw a loaded drum-style magazine in plain view on the center console, and the driver, Marcos A. Castro Garcia of Aurora, was taken into custody, according to a news release.

Police said a search of the truck recovered:

• A tan Glock 19X handgun concealed beneath the center console
• Two loaded drum-style magazines containing 45 live rounds
• A Glock handgun case with an additional magazine containing 15 live rounds

Neither Castro nor a 19-year-old passenger had a valid FOID card or Concealed Carry license, according to police, who said Castro was confirmed to be a documented gang member.

Following a review with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, Castro was charged with:

• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Gang Member (Class 2 Felony)
• Possession of Ammunition without a FOID Card (Class 3 Felony)
• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No Concealed Carry (Class 4 Felony)
• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – No FOID (Class 4 Felony)
• Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon – Ammunition Immediately Accessible (Class 4 Felony)

He was also cited for not wearing a seatbelt, police said.

"This case is a strong example of how proactive policing keeps our city safer," said Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas. "Taking a firearm, multiple high-capacity magazines, and dozens of rounds of ammunition out of the hands of a documented gang member is a direct win for public safety. I commend our investigators for their vigilance and quick action."

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Aurora Police Department’s Investigations Division at (630) 256-5500.