Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– A Chicago Heights man is probably wishing he had bought a light for his bicycle before taking a late-night ride to Park Forest.
Detectives DeCeault and Mannino were on patrol in an unmarked vehicle traveling northbound on Western Avenue on Monday, November 2, at approximately 11:30 p.m., when they observed a man on a bicycle traveling southbound on Western in the middle of the roadway, according to police. The bike was not equipped with a front lamp or a rear red light, according to police.
Police stopped the bicyclist, later identified as Arthur C. Fox, 52, 1891 Andover St., Chicago Heights, at Algonquin Street and Western Avenue. According to police, Fox stated that he was going to his sister’s house on Allegheny Street. Detective Mannino conducted a protective pat-down on Fox who stated that he had a "crack pipe" in his jacket pocket, according to police. Detective Mannino attempted to retrieve the "crack pipe" from his jacket pocket and instead discovered a red 12-gauge shotgun round with "W-W 12 gauge” markings, according to police. Mannino asked Fox where the "crack pipe" was which he stated it may be in his right front pants pocket. Detective Mannino checked that pocket and discovered a silver and black metal and rubber pipe, according to police.
Fox was taken into custody and transported to the Park Forest Police Department where a LEADS inquiry was conducted, and it was discovered that Fox had two burglary convictions.
Fox allegedly told police that he was working on a house earlier in the day in Chicago Heights when he found a shotgun shell lying inside on the floor. He further allegedly stated that he picked up the shotgun shell and put it in his pocket, and when he was stopped by the detectives he forgot about the shotgun shell in his pocket, according to police.
Assistant States Attorney McCarthy approved one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, according to police. Fox was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and was given a ticket charging improper equipment on a bicycle.
