Rockford felon, wanted for fleeing, arrested on weapons charges

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Joseph Papini, 47, for allegedly having a firearm among other charges.

On March 6, around 8 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 2600 block of Broadway when they saw a blue Volkswagen Passat that fled from Loves Park Police in February. Deputies spoke to the suspect after he finished pumping gas at a Mobil Gas Station on Broadway.

Papini denied fleeing from the police when asked, according to court records.

Officers found a handgun after searching the suspect. He told deputies he only had the firearm for protection.

Methamphetamine was found inside of the Passat as well, according to court documents.

Authorities later spoke to the owner of the vehicle and determined the firearm was bought legally by the woman and that she had a valid FOID card.

Papini is charged with fleeing to elude officers, driving on a revoked license, felon possession of a weapon, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of methamphetamine.