Cocaine, Loaded Gun Seized From Joliet Felon Sitting In Car: Cops

Joliet IL

11 February, 2022

4:10 PM

Description

JOLIET, IL — Joliet police arrested 40-year-old Joliet resident Michael Barber Jr. on Thursday night on gun and drug charges after officers saw him sitting inside a car parked near his residence in the 1500 block of Waverly Place, according to police reports. Barber was booked into custody on charges of unlawful use of a weapon by a convicted felon, defacing identification marks on a gun, delivery of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances and his outstanding Will County arrest warrant. Around 10:15 p.m. Joliet patrol officers recognized Barber sitting in a car on the city's west side and approached him, knowing he had warrants out for his arrest. "While placing Barber into custody, officers observed plastic baggies containing suspected cocaine in the vehicle in plain view," police spokesman Dwayne English said. Officers also recovered a loaded 9 mm gun in the center console of Barber's car, and the serial number from the gun appeared to be defaced, according to police. Barber was wanted on a charge of delivery of controlled substance after he was identified as a suspect during an extensive drug investigation, Joliet police announced. Barber also had a Will County warrant for failing to appear in court on traffic charges. Bail for Barber, who lives in the 1500 block of Waverly Place, now stands at $450,000.