North Chicago man charged with weapons, drug violations

A documented street gang member from North Chicago faces numerous weapons- and drug-related charges after being arrested Thursday by the Lake County Gang Task Force, authorities said Saturday.

Willie J. Wise, 36, of the 2200 block of Green Bay Road, is charged with six counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance within a school zone, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, armed habitual criminal, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful use of a weapon by a street gang member, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Task force detectives encountered Wise at a North Chicago bar, authorities said, and found a loaded .40-caliber handgun in his waistband. They arrested him and then continued their investigation.

Task force detectives and the sheriff's tactical response team then executed a search warrant at Wise's residence. Authorities said they seized seven firearms, including a loaded SKS rifle, a loaded AK-47 rifle, and a loaded Mac-10 submachine gun. Two of the seven firearms recovered were listed as stolen.

Police said they also found large quantities of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis, all of which were packaged in a manner consistent for sale and distribution.

Wise is being held in Lake County jail on a $500,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 9.