Indiana man took a gun into the Chicago Auto Show, then dropped it on the floor, prosecutors say


Chicago — An Indiana man faces felony charges after he allegedly brought a loaded handgun into the Chicago Auto Show and dropped it while exploring the Ford Motor Company exhibit, prosecutors said.

Oscar Luiz, 22, of Ft. Wayne, was ordered to pay a $1,000 bail deposit by Judge Susana Ortiz during a bond hearing Monday afternoon.

An off-duty Cook County state’s attorney’s office investigator arrests Oscar Luiz at the Chicago Auto Show on February 19, 2023. | ArabChicago

Another auto show attendee saw Luiz drop a gun on the McCormick Place exhibition floor, then pick the weapon up and put it into his waistband on Sunday, prosecutors said. The witness kept an eye on Luiz, then notified security.

An off-duty Cook County state’s attorney’s office investigator working as event security responded to the Ford display area, and the witness directed him toward Luiz.

Prosecutors said Luiz tried to get away, but the officer tackled him and secured Luiz’s loaded handgun, which was equipped with a laser sight and flashlight attachment.

Twitter user ArabChicago recorded the arrest on their phone and posted it online. Watch:

In 2019, Luiz received a 364-day jail sentence for carrying a firearm without a license in Indiana, prosecutors said. He is now charged with unlawful use of a weapon in Chicago.

Judge Ortiz permitted him to return to Indiana to await trial after he posts bail.

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CWBChicago was created in 2013 by five residents of Wrigleyville and Boystown who had grown disheartened with inaccurate information that was being provided at local Community Policing (CAPS) meetings. Our coverage area has expanded since then to cover Lincoln Park, River North, The Loop, Uptown, and other North Side Areas. But our mission remains unchanged: To provide original public safety reporting with better context and greater detail than mainstream media outlets. Our editorial email address is news@cwbchicago.com