A Justice man was cited earlier this month after Palos Heights police found two unsecured firearms during a traffic stop for a seatbelt violation.
Abdulhadi K. Abu Khadeeja, 22, of the 8200 block of 79th Street, was pulled over on May 11 in the 11900 block of South Harlem Avenue, according to Deputy Chief John Parnitzke.
Officers recovered two unloaded, legally owned semiautomatic pistols during the stop. Although Abu Khadeeja has a valid FOID card, police said the guns were not transported in compliance with Illinois law, which requires firearms to be unloaded, secured in a case, and not readily accessible.
“In Illinois, even if you legally possess a firearm, it must be broken down, unloaded, and stored in a secure container during transport,” Parnitzke said. “These were not properly secured, which made it a violation.”
Abu Khadeeja was cited for misdemeanor unlawful use of a weapon due to improper transport and released with a court date. Police said there was no misuse of the firearms and no threat to the public.
Authorities also clarified that both weapons were real semiautomatic pistols. Earlier reports that one was a BB gun or replica were incorrect.