An Evanston man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon after police searched his backpack to find a shotgun Monday.

At about 10:45 a.m. Monday, an Evanston police officer saw the 20-year-old man walking on a sidewalk in south Evanston. The man was carrying a green backpack, which the officer noticed appeared to contain an object inside that was stretching the bag’s material, according to a news release.

The officer also recognized the man from previous contacts and believed he was involved in narcotic sales in the area, according to the release. Upon seeing the officer, the man turned and began walking in the opposite direction. When the officer began driving towards the 20-year-old, he began walking more quickly.

The officer then searched the man, who denied the backpack was his before the officer searched it.

After searching the backpack, the officer found a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. The 20-year-old was then taken into custody and charged with one count each of unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, both felonies.

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