Suspicious vehicle check in Palatine leads to drug, gun charges

An Arlington Heights man faces felony weapons and drug charges after he was found with cocaine, heroin and a handgun early Saturday during a suspicious vehicle check in Palatine, police said.

Deonta Hoard, 37, of the 2200 block of Nichols Road, is charged with armed violence, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, manufacturing/delivery of cocaine, manufacturing/delivery of heroin and two counts of possession of controlled substance.

According to Palatine police, officers investigating a suspicious vehicle in a closed business' parking lot on the 1700 block of North Rand Road found Hoard and a second person in the back seat shortly after midnight Saturday. Officers also spotted a handgun in the front center driver's-side cup holder, police said.

Neither occupant has a valid Illinois Firearms Owners Identification card, police said.

A further search of Hoard led police to find several bags of drugs, including crack cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin, as well as a large amount of cash, authorities said.

Hoard appeared in court Sunday, when his bond was set at $5,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday in Rolling Meadows.