Chicago Man Sues Police Over Arrest for Reporting Missing Bullets

Qwentin Howard alleges he was detained and charged after trying to file a report about ammunition that went missing during a traffic stop.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:15am

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A Chicago man named Qwentin Howard is suing the city and three Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers, alleging he was arrested when he tried to file a report about bullets that went missing from his legally owned firearm during a traffic stop. Howard, who holds a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and concealed carry license, claims the officers placed his weapon in the trunk during the stop, and two bullets were missing when he retrieved it. He then went to the police station to report the missing ammunition, but was allegedly detained, arrested, and charged with unlawful use of a weapon for not having a physical FOID card, despite showing an electronic version during the traffic stop.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about police accountability and the rights of gun owners when interacting with law enforcement. It raises questions about the appropriate procedures for reporting missing ammunition and whether officers should be able to detain individuals for trying to file such reports.

The details

According to the lawsuit, when Howard arrived at the police station to file the report, the officers involved in the traffic stop, along with their supervisor, ordered him to produce a physical FOID card. When Howard insisted that an electronic card was legally sufficient, the supervisor allegedly told him he had a 'problem' for accusing the officers of stealing the bullets. The officers then allegedly detained and arrested Howard, charging him with unlawful use of a weapon. The charges were later dismissed.

  • The traffic stop occurred on an unspecified date prior to March 1, 2026.
  • Howard filed the lawsuit on March 1, 2026.

The players

Qwentin Howard

A Chicago resident who is a registered gun owner with a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and concealed carry license.

Officer Julian Irving

A Chicago Police Department officer involved in the traffic stop and subsequent arrest of Howard.

Officer Sarah Abuosba

A Chicago Police Department officer involved in the traffic stop and subsequent arrest of Howard.

Officer John Sanders

A Chicago Police Department supervisor who was present during the incident at the police station and ordered Howard's arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you have a problem now because you're accusing my officers of stealing your bullets.”

— Officer John Sanders, Supervisor, Chicago Police Department

“You're being arrested because you wanted to escalate the issue and make it bigger than it had to be.”

— Officer Sarah Abuosba, Chicago Police Department

What’s next

U.S. District Judge Manish Shah has ruled that Howard's retaliation and malicious prosecution claims may proceed, finding it plausible that the officers lacked probable cause to arrest him. The case is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for clear policies and procedures around how gun owners can report missing ammunition, as well as the importance of police accountability and respecting the rights of citizens, even when they are making complaints against officers.