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| Mark Valladay (inset) and the weapon that police said he had wedged next to his driver’s seat. | CPD |
Police say a Riverdale man who was found with a gun in his car during a traffic stop in Lakeview this week claimed to be carrying the weapon “because it’s Chicago.”
Officers pulled 25-year-old Mark Valladay over in the 1400 block of West Irving Park Road around 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 16th to issue a traffic citation, according to police records. When officers asked if Valladay had any weapons in the car, he allegedly pointed toward the glove compartment.
Police searched the vehicle and found a loaded 9-millimeter handgun wedged on the right side of the driver’s seat where Valladay “had immediate access” to the weapon, according to court records.
When cops asked Valladay why he had the gun he said he needed it for protection “because it’s Chicago.”
Prosecutors charged Valladay with felony unlawful use of a weapon. Judge Mary Marubio set bail at $1,500 which allowed Valladay to go free by posting a 10% bond of $150.
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