Crystal Lake man charged with marijuana possession, indoor grow operation

A 53-year-year-old man was charged in Crystal Lake Monday with growing marijuana and possession of more than a pound of pot, police said.

David P. Ready is charged with possession of more than 500 grams of cannabis with intent to deliver, possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a syringe/hypodermic needle and production of cannabis plants, police said.

The most severe felony carries a top prison term of up to seven years if convicted.

Crystal Lake police said Ready's arrest stemmed from a domestic violence call at 8:40 p.m. on the 0-99 block of East Crystal Lake Avenue.

Police received a call of an unwanted man trying to force his way into an apartment. The offender left before police arrived, and after making sure two people inside the residence were OK, authorities noticed evidence that illegal drugs were present.

Police obtained a search warrant and found Ready, who had a failure to appear warrant in Kane County for traffic offenses, hiding in a locked bedroom. Authorities also seized more than 500 grams of marijuana from Ready's bedroom, and found "several" pot plants growing in various stages.

Deputy Chief Derek Hyrkas could not be reached for comment on the number of plants found, quantity of drugs seized and their estimated street value; 500 grams is more than 17 ounces.

A court date and bail amount for Ready were not immediately available.