On Friday, March 19th, Galesburg police conducted a traffic stop in the area of North Academy and West Dayton Street on a vehicle clocked at going over the posted speed limit. As officers approached the vehicle, a cloud of smoke emitted from the driver’s window as it was rolled down. Police made contact with the driver; 21-year old Larry Pettis III of Galesburg who smelt of burnt cannabis, had fresh, burnt ashes down the front of him, and loose cannabis was seen scattered around the center console of the vehicle. Pettis consented to the search of his vehicle which turned up two baggies – one with approximately 12.5 grams of cannabis, the other with about 2.5 grams of cannabis inside. Inside a backpack behind the passenger seat, officers located another large bag of cannabis, a digital scale, and a loaded, Remington Ruger RP9 handgun. The handgun had been reported stolen out of Galesburg. Pettis was placed under arrest and charged with Armed Violence, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Violation of the FOID Card Act, Manufacturing / Delivery of Cannabis over 30 grams, and Speeding.
