Wheeling Man Charged After 7-Mile Police Pursuit

Suspect faces armed violence, drug, and weapons charges after incident near Mount Prospect police station

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:48pm

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An extreme close-up of a handgun with a red laser attachment, lit by a harsh, direct flash against a dark background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of this crime story.A recent wave of violent incidents involving illegal weapons has prompted a crackdown by suburban police departments.Mount Prospect Today

A 38-year-old Wheeling man has been charged with armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug offenses, and other felonies following a 7-mile pursuit that ended near the Mount Prospect Police Station. The suspect, Edwin C. Laguna, allegedly followed two victims for miles, made threatening gestures, and pointed a laser-equipped handgun at them before the chase concluded at the police station.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing violent crime and illegal weapons in the Chicago suburbs. The swift police response and charges against the suspect aim to hold him accountable and remove a dangerous individual from the community.

The details

According to police, the two victims first noticed the suspect, Edwin C. Laguna, making gestures toward them in Mount Prospect. Laguna then began following the victims' vehicle for about 7 miles, at times accelerating toward them and pointing a laser-equipped handgun. The victims drove to the nearby Mount Prospect Police Station, where Laguna stopped following them. Officers located Laguna's vehicle nearby and found the handgun, drugs, and open alcohol containers during a search.

  • On March 22, the victims first noticed Laguna in Mount Prospect around 4 p.m.
  • Laguna then pursued the victims for about 7 miles before they reached the police station.
  • Laguna was charged on March 23 with a range of felonies related to the incident.

The players

Edwin C. Laguna

A 38-year-old Wheeling resident who was charged with armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon, drug offenses, and other felonies following the pursuit.

Mount Prospect Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, located Laguna's vehicle, and charged him with multiple crimes.

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What they’re saying

“The swift and decisive action taken by our officers during this incident removed a dangerous weapon and a violent offender from our community. We will continue to prioritize the arrest of those who choose to endanger our residents, ensuring violent felons are held accountable for their actions and that our neighborhoods remain safe.”

— Bart Tweedie, Deputy Police Chief

What’s next

Laguna is scheduled to appear in court on March 31 in Rolling Meadows. The two passengers in his vehicle were charged with minor offenses and released.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by suburban police departments to address violent crime and illegal weapons, demonstrating the importance of a swift law enforcement response to remove dangerous individuals from the community and hold them accountable.