Palatine man facing weapons charges after police chase

A 20-year-old Palatine resident is facing multiple felony weapons charges after he was caught with a loaded handgun following a foot chase Friday night near the apartment complex where he lives.

Juan Romero, of the 1800 block of North Green Lane, is charged with one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of resisting a peace officer.

He was ordered held on pretrial detention Saturday. His next court date is slated for Wednesday in Rolling Meadows.

Palatine police officials said officers conducting foot patrols in area at about 10 p.m. noticed multiple people, including one masked individual, gathered near one of the apartment buildings.

When the group noticed the officers, they attempted to flee in various directions.

Police said one person was seen reaching toward his waistband. After a short foot pursuit and physical struggle, officers were able to detain Romero and recover a loaded handgun.