Parolee Charged After Attempted Car Burglary in Evanston

The suspect was wearing a GPS monitor at the time of the incident.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 21-year-old man on parole, Jonathan Curtis, has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon after an attempted car burglary in Evanston, Illinois. Curtis was found in the area matching a description provided by a resident and was carrying a loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun without a FOID card or concealed carry license.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges of monitoring parolees and preventing repeat offenses, as well as the broader issue of gun violence and illegal firearm possession in the Evanston community.

The details

Police responded to a report of a man, later identified as Jonathan Curtis, attempting to open the doors of parked cars in the 700 block of Hinman Avenue in Evanston. When officers found Curtis in the area, he did not cooperate with police instructions, and a loaded handgun was found in his waistband. Records showed Curtis was on parole and wearing a GPS monitoring device at the time.

  • On February 24, 2026, police responded to the reported incident around 10:11 a.m.

The players

Jonathan Curtis

A 21-year-old man on parole who was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon after the attempted car burglary incident.

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What’s next

Curtis' next court date is scheduled for March 11, 2026, where the judge will determine the next steps in his case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of monitoring parolees and preventing repeat offenses, as well as the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and illegal firearm possession in the Evanston community.