Chicago Man Charged After Stolen Gun Found in Traffic Stop

Eugene Henry faces felony gun charge after deputies recover stolen firearm during South Side vehicle stop.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 47-year-old Chicago man has been charged with a felony gun offense after authorities say deputies recovered a stolen firearm during a traffic stop on the city's South Side. Police said Eugene Henry was pulled over for failing to stop at a stop sign, and a search of his SUV uncovered the loaded, stolen gun.

Why it matters

Illegal gun possession is a major concern in Chicago, which has struggled with high rates of gun violence. This case highlights how routine traffic stops can sometimes uncover more serious criminal activity, though it also raises questions about whether the initial stop was warranted and if Henry's rights were properly protected.

The details

According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, deputies pulled over Henry's white GMC Yukon around 8 p.m. on March 3 in the 8300 block of South State Street after he failed to stop at a stop sign. During the stop, authorities determined Henry did not have a valid driver's license or insurance. After being asked to exit the vehicle, a search uncovered a loaded gun that had been reported stolen from Chicago. Henry, a convicted felon, did not have a Firearm Owner's Identification card or concealed carry license.

  • The traffic stop occurred around 8 p.m. on March 3, 2026.
  • Henry was released from custody following an initial court hearing on March 4, 2026.

The players

Eugene Henry

A 47-year-old Chicago resident who was charged with a felony gun offense after deputies found a stolen firearm in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

Cook County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and recovered the stolen gun from Henry's vehicle.

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What’s next

Henry is scheduled to appear in court again on March 15, 2026, where a judge will determine if he should be allowed to post bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of law enforcement vigilance during routine traffic stops, as they can sometimes uncover more serious criminal activity. However, it also raises questions about the initial justification for the stop and whether Henry's rights were properly protected throughout the process.