AURORA, Ill. – Two Aurora teenagers were charged with illegal possession of firearms after a shocking incident at the Fox Valley Mall on Tuesday.
Alim Hartline, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile were allegedly found with guns while at the mall. Today, both individuals appeared in court to face charges.
According to the Aurora Police Department, officers responded to a report of two teens in possession of guns at the mall. Upon their arrival, the teens reportedly ran from the officers. Hartline allegedly dropped a loaded Taurus 9mm with a defaced serial number as he fled, before being apprehended. The juvenile was later found hiding in a nearby port-o-potty. A fully loaded Glock 23, 40 caliber weapon was found approximately fifty yards away from where the juvenile was hiding.
The charges against the teens are serious, with Hartline facing one count of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – No FOID, No CCL (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Possession of a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number (Class 3 Felony). The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Unlawful use of a Weapon, a Class 4 Felony.
“This is a prime example of intelligence-led policing,” said Aurora Chief of Police Keith Cross. “It further illustrates how our officers effectively and efficiently share information and work together to make our community a safer place. Through effective communication, collaboration, and decisive action, they were able to safely apprehend the offenders and take two dangerous weapons off the streets.”
The incident has shocked the local community, with many expressing concern over the possession of guns by teens.
“Neither of the two individuals charged in this case are legally allowed to own a weapon, let alone carry one on their person in public,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “I commend the Aurora Police Department not only for their quick identification and apprehension of the defendants in this case, but also for their ongoing efforts in keeping guns out of the hands of those who are not legally allowed to possess them.”
Hartline’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge Margaret O’Connell. The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 3, 2023, in front of Judge Anthony Coco. It is important to remember that the charges against the teens are allegations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
