Police: Loves park felon crashes car while fleeing officers

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — Loves Park Police arrested Nickolas Wright, 31, for allegedly fleeing officers and hiding a firearm in a trash can.

On Feb. 23, around 11 a.m., authorities saw a black Chrysler without a front license plate driving on Forest Hills Road.

The driver ignored officers and drove into oncoming traffic on Windsor Road, according to court records. Police said the driver crashed into another vehicle at Applewood Lane and Windsor Road.

A witness told authorities he saw Wright put something in a garbage can behind an apartment building in the 4500 block of Applewood. Officials found a handgun at the bottom of the can.

Police found Wright inside the apartment complex and took him into custody.

Officers found crack cocaine, cocaine, cannabis and a digital scale in the suspect’s car.

Another witness told officials she heard a gunshot, looked out her window and saw Wright.

Wright has previously been convicted of robbery, burglary and possession of dangerous drugs, according to court records. He is also on parole for possession of controlled substances.

Wright is charged with possession of a firearm without a FOID, attempting to elude officers, aggravated fleeing causing damage to property, aggravated fleeing, leaving the scene, unlawful possession of cannabis while driving, improper traffic lane usage, not having a front license plate, felon possession of a weapon, armed violence, delivering cocaine and possessing cocaine.