Libertyville man arrested on gun charges

A Libertyville man who was arrested after being spotted in a bar with a loaded handgun was, at the time, out of jail on bond for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and resisting arrest, Libertyville police officials said.

Patrick K. Nichols, 52, of the 200 block of Park Avenue, was arrested about 1 a.m. on Oct. 9 and charged with possession of a firearm while firearm owners identification card was revoked, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a weapon, Lt. Scott Fabbri said.

Police responded to Downing’s Bar in the 400 block of Milwaukee Avenue after a patron noticed Nichols had a holstered weapon while seated at the bar, Fabbri said.

Officers spoke with Nichols at the bar, and secured the weapon without incident, Fabbri said. However, after Nichols was arrested, Fabbri said, a second handgun and three loaded magazines were found inside Nichols’ vehicle parked outside.

This is the second time in two months Nichols has had a run-in with Libertyville Police, Fabbri confirmed.

Nichols was charged with driving under the influence, aggravated DUI, aggravated fleeing and eluding, operating an uninsured vehicle, reckless driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid two accidents, leaving the scene of two accidents and resisting or obstructing a peace officer on Aug. 8.

In that case, Fabbri said, Nichols was driving a vehicle that hit a car near Garfield and Austin avenues at 3:35 p.m.

Nichols fled the scene, Fabbri said. However, the driver who had been struck was following Nichols when Nichols was involved in a second accident, this time at Park and Stewart avenues.

Police caught up with Nichols after he hit the second car, but he fled. He drove to his apartment where police stopped him as he tried to enter his parking garage, Fabbri said.

Nichols was taken to the Lake County jail following the Oct. 9 arrest, and is held on a $50,000 bond. He is due back in court Nov. 5.