Woman With Loaded Stolen Gun Arrested On Collins: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 22-year-old Rockdale woman who authorities say had a stolen, loaded gun in her possession during the early morning hours of Sunday is now in the Will County Jail facing several felony charges, according to Joliet police.

Patrol officers handcuffed Maria Beach and booked her into the county detention facility on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, having a stolen gun, unlawful possession of ammunition and not having a Firearm Owners ID.

A 21-year-old Joliet man who was driving the car was booked and released on an I-bond on charges of driving while having a suspended license, illegal transportation of alcohol and illegal parking in a handicap parking spot, police reports show.

The incident that led to Beach's arrest occurred at 1:30 a.m. on Sunday in the 700 block of Collins Street.

Joliet officers saw a car parked in a handicap parking spot without displaying a handicap placard in the area near Collins and Columbia Streets, reports state.

After officers pulled over the driver, officers noticed a strong smell of marijuana from inside the car and one open container of alcohol in the center console, police said.

"Both occupants exited the vehicle at which time Beach indicated to officers that she had a firearm in her waistband," Joliet police said. "Officers recovered the loaded firearm and placed Beach into custody without incident. A check of the firearm showed that it had been previously reported stolen."

Beach lives in the 600 block of Rockdale's Moen Avenue. A Will County judge has set her bail at $50,000 and she remained in county detention on Tuesday.