Just after midnight on Sunday, December 12th, Galesburg Police initiated a traffic stop on an SUV disobeying a stop sign at the intersection of East South and South Chambers Streets. Officers made contact with the driver, 27-year old Joshawn Dixon of Galesburg whom police were familiar with and knew his driver’s license was suspended. Dixon’s passenger was identified as 21-year old Brandon Lankston of Galesburg. Lankston admitted to smoking cannabis and was asked to step out of the vehicle. Lankston continually tried reaching for something in his front hoodie pocket and he was quickly detained. A loaded .357 Smith & Wesson revolver was found in his pocket. The revolver’s serial number had been removed. Officers located loose cannabis throughout the vehicle and an open bottle of Patron. Dixon was charged with Driving on a Suspended License, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, and disobeying a stop sign. Lankston is facing felony charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Defacement of a Firearm, Violation of the FOID Card Act, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.
