CHAMPAIGN, IL – A local man was arrested early Sunday after reportedly dropping a stolen gun in the parking lot of a popular bar.
According to University of Illinois Police, it happened around 12:30 a.m. when a witness at Green Street Café located at 35 E. Green St. reported seeing 44-year-old Brian J. Clare drop a handgun in the parking lot as he was getting into his parked vehicle.
Officers quickly responded and stopped Clare’s vehicle a just few blocks away.
Upon searching Clare’s vehicle, officers allegedly discovered a loaded gun near the driver’s seat, along with several open bottles of alcohol. Further investigation revealed that the gun had been reported stolen in the past, leading to the additional charge of possession of a stolen firearm.
A records check on the gun indicated that it previously had been reported stolen.
Clare was taken into custody and is currently facing multiple charges including possession of a stolen firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, driving with a suspended license, and illegal transportation of alcohol.
