Two arrested on gun charges in Aurora

Aurora police say they arrested people in two separate gun cases last week after traffic stops.

In one case, they suspected a person of driving while impaired, according to a police news release. In the other case, a 15-year-old boy was arrested near a school.

At 11:06 p.m. Sept. 25, police say they stopped a Nissan Rogue at North Avenue and Jackson Street, accusing the driver of failing to stop at a stop sign.

Officers said they suspected the driver was impaired, but the news release did not say why. They asked the driver to exit. After he did, police say they found a handgun on the floorboard beneath the driver’s seat. The news release said the driver was a documented gang member.

The serial numbers on the gun’s slide and barrel were defaced, according to police.

Gabriel Martinez, 32, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a street gang member, possession of a weapon by a person with a prior forcible felony conviction, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in a vehicle with a prior conviction.

He also received traffic citations charging him with driving under the influence of alcohol and two counts of disobeying a stop sign.

His case is being heard in Kane County court.

At 4:35 p.m. Sept. 27, Special Operations Group police stopped a vehicle at Benton and Jackson streets, near Waldo Middle School, on an allegation of having illegal window tint.

While addressing tobacco violations involving passengers under the age of 21, police say a 15-year-old boy ran off while clutching his waistband.

He was stopped on the school’s property. Police say they found a loaded handgun with 15 rounds of ammunition in his pants. They say he is a documented gang member.

The boy is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, unlawful possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a firearm — not eligible for a Firearm Owner’s Identification card, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, resisting a peace officer, and possession of tobacco by a minor.

His case is being heard in Kane County’s juvenile court.

The Special Operations Group investigates gang, narcotics, gun and vice-related crimes, including patrolling neighborhoods known for such activities.