Brawl leads police to cash, guns, drug stash

Several people involved in an early Saturday brawl on Elgin's east side fled to a Park Street home where police discovered a submachine gun, marijuana and a large amount of cash, according to a news release.

Police say some involved in the incident are known gang members and associates. Four people were arrested at the scene on alcohol-related charges while officers took a fifth person into custody on a warrant for military desertion.

The melee started at 3:43 a.m. Saturday during a party on the 400 block of Barrett Street. Police were called after a fight began in which broken beer bottles were being used as weapons, police said.

Police arrived at the Barrett Street house and discovered that Ivan Rodriguez, 19, of 407 Campus Drive, suffered multiple cuts to his head and body. He was being treated at Provena St. Joseph Hospital for his injuries when police realized Rodriquez had given them false identification and after further probing, police found the U.S. military wanted Rodriguez for desertion. Police took him into custody upon his release from the hospital, detaining him for military authorities.

After police broke the party up at the Barrett Street address, several people ran to a home on the 400 block of Park Street.

That was where police found an automatic pistol, cash and cannabis, the news release said.

The following people were arrested at the Park Street home:

• Jose L. Lopez, 19, of 435 Addison St. in Elgin, for unlawful consumption of alcohol.

• Jeremy K. Martin, 20, of 670 Congdon Ave. in Elgin, for unlawful consumption of alcohol.

• Maria M. Aguirre, 18, of 428 Addison St. in Elgin, for unlawful consumption of alcohol.

• Robert J. Virola, 21, of 606 View St., Apt. 4, in Aurora, for contributing to the delinquency of children.

Possession of the drugs and gun, and reasons for the fight, remain under investigation.