Missouri Man Charged with Seven Felonies for Carrying Loaded Weapons and Body Armor in Illinois
A startling discovery was made during a routine traffic stop in Swansea, Illinois, last weekend, leading to the arrest of a Missouri man named Joel De Jesus-Diaz. According to the Swansea Police Department’s statement, De Jesus-Diaz was pulled over while driving a vehicle containing multiple loaded weapons, high-capacity magazines, loose ammunition, and a small quantity of cannabis.
The charges against De Jesus-Diaz are quite serious. He currently faces six counts of Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon While Wearing Body Armor and one count of Unlawful Use of a Firearm Projectile. These felony charges were filed in St. Clair County court records, with the man being held in jail without bond as per the county’s jail records. An attorney for De Jesus-Diaz was not listed at the time of this report, and attempts to contact the public defender’s office were unsuccessful.
Swansea is located around 15 miles southeast of St. Louis, where De Jesus-Diaz reportedly resides. The incident occurred just a few hours before the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and block party in Belleville, although there is no current evidence linking De Jesus-Diaz to this event or suggesting a motive behind his possession of the weapons.
The disturbing scene unfolded when police stopped De Jesus-Diaz’s vehicle, revealing an arsenal within that included an AK-style rifle, two short rifles, and three semi-automatic pistols. Swansea Police Chief Matt Blomberg expressed his concerns to News Finder affiliate KMOV regarding the caliber and quantity of weapons and ammunition discovered during the stop.
The charging document indicates that De Jesus-Diaz did not possess a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card at the time of his arrest. As the nation grapples with an ongoing issue of mass shootings, incidents such as this one highlight the importance of responsible gun ownership and strict adherence to firearm regulations.
The incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when individuals carry weapons, particularly in public places. Law enforcement agencies continue to prioritize ensuring public safety amidst these concerns. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
