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Elgin police: Loaded gun found in teen's backpack

A 17-year-old from Elgin was arrested on Tuesday after police say they found a loaded handgun in his backpack.

Elgin police were conducting a firearms investigation at 5 p.m. Tuesday on the 400 block of Villa Street when they observed someone who they thought may have a gun, according to a news release. Police approached him, but once the teen recognized the officers, he ran away.

The young man was apprehended without incident after a brief chase, and a loaded handgun was found in his backpack, according to the release. The teen is charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapon and not having a FOID card. The 17-year-old, who was not identified by police, was taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

"This is a great example of officers patrolling our neighborhoods and identifying issues before they become tragedies in our great city," said Chief Jeffrey Swoboda.

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