Overview of accident/gun case
On Thursday, November 6, 2025 at approximately 1:30 pm, while traveling to my work headquarters located near downtown Chicago, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident(MVA).
While traveling westbound I-94, on the ramp from where the Bishop Ford Fwy turns into the Dan Ryan Expressway,about a mile south of 87th St., I noticed the vehicles ahead of me beginning to slow down, signaled to me by their brake lights. I began to slow with the traffic around me. It was at this time that I was struck by another vehicle from behind. The impact made my vehicle do a 180 spin to where I was facing oncoming traffic. During that spin, I saw a white vehicle rolling over into the lane next to mine.
Once at a stop, I checked myself for any apparent injuries and though I was definitely shook up, I was able to tell I had no cuts or visible damage from the accident. Due to seeing the other vehicle flipping over my concern then shifted to that vehicle. I unbuckled my seatbelt and exited my vehicle to go check on the other car. Upon walking up to the vehicle I quickly observed my surroundings to be sure it was safe for me to assist. Seeing no visible danger, I checked on the individual inside the vehicle.
The driver(she), seemed to be alright from what I could tell. I informed her to stay still as I was going to call 911 to get assistance out to us.
It took about 5-7 minutes before Illinois State Police showed up on scene. Upon arrival, Trooper Carroll immediately asked me to try to move my vehicle. Knowing I had my firearm in the vehicle, I let Trooper Carroll know it was in the vehicle and the location of it.(Center console). I also informed him that I was an Indiana resident and that I was traveling to work. The Trooper advised me I had every right to have it on me and not to worry about that.
He proceeded to allow me into my vehicle to try moving the vehicle. To my surprise, the vehicle did move and I positioned it out of the lane of traffic and onto the shoulder. Afterwards, Trooper Carroll asked if I could provide my license and registration for the vehicle. I informed him that this was my fatherâs vehicle and that I was unsure of where those documents were for sure located. I told him that before I began looking for it, if for his peace of mind, if we could secure my firearm in the trunk. He obliged and I let him place it in my trunk. I then found my dadâs insurance and registration documents and provided them to the trooper.
It was at this time Chicago Fire Department(CPD) arrived and began checking on myself and the other driver. I had some discomfort in my lower back and requested that I get checked out to be sure I didnât have any unseen injuries. While thinking about what was to come, I asked the officer what would be done with my firearm if I got transported to the hospital. Trooper Carroll informed me that 1 of 2 things could happen.
The first possibility was that I would get transported to the hospital and that the Trooper would inventory my firearm with my vehicle for the tow. He would then secure it and it would be transported to Des Plaines, IL. (My assumption was that was the State Police Headquarters.) I would then have to retrieve it when I would get time to travel down there.
The second possibility was that Trooper Carroll informed me that some local hospitals have lock boxes for incidents like this and that upon arrival to the hospital, my firearm would be secured, and that once done being checked out, I would be able to retrieve it and proceed home.
The second option seemed like a much better option as then I would be able to get my firearm back sooner.
After speaking with the EMTâs from CFD and informing them of my decision, I asked if they would allow me to secure my holstered firearm back on my hip for transportation to the hospital. They had no objection and allowed me to put my firearm back on my person.
I then loaded up into the ambulance where I was hooked up to some devices that monitored my pulse among other things.
I was transported to Roseland Community Hospital located in Chicago at 45 W. 111th St. Chicago IL. 60628.
Upon arrival to the hospital, I was wheeled by stretcher into the emergency room. Once inside the emergency room, the EMTâs that accompanied me in the ambulance informed the security staff that I had a concealed firearm and that I would need it secured.
The security staff acknowledged the request and stated they needed to get the supervisor on duty to do that. While waiting for the supervisor to arrive, one of the ER doctors walked over to see what brought me in. I informed him that I was in a MVA and that I had lower back pain. He asked me to point to where it was and I did. While leaning forward and to the left to indicate the position of my pain, my shirt mustâve came above my holstered firearm. The doctor immediately asked the EMTâs what that was. They explained to the doctor that we were in the process of securing it. The doctor stated that there were to be no firearms in this part of the ER, and that it shouldâve never made it past the front doors. The EMTâs stated nobody was posted at that desk and thatâs why we were here waiting with security.
After approximately 5 minutes, the security supervisor arrived and we once again explained the situation to her. She was informed I was an Indiana resident carrying legally in my vehicle and that we needed to secure the firearm. She had the EMTâs wheel me into a side room of the ER so I could take my firearm off my person.
I undid my belt and slid my holstered firearm off and onto my lap. Security then proceeded to take it from me and began to attempt to render it safe. I informed them that the magazine was loaded, and that there was a round in the chamber. With lots of difficulty, they finally rendered my firearm safe and placed it into some sort of clear plastic belongings bag.
The supervisor then demanded I empty my pockets and asked if I had anything else dangerous on my person. I explained I did not and once again restated I was legally carrying my firearm.
Security staff then exited that room and stated they were going to secure my firearm. I was then taken to an ER waiting room to be triaged. While waiting, the same security guy who rendered my firearm safe came out and asked for my first and last name. He, now known to me as Marshall, stated he needed my info to secure the firearm. I gave him my info and he walked back into the ER area.
It was around this time that Trooper Carroll arrived to provide me with the accident report as well as my drivers license and vehicle documents back.
After close to 8 hours in the ER after numerous tests, I realized it was close to being time to go. Because I was being picked up by my dad, I decided I would ask security what the process would be to get my firearm back. I asked this as to not delay my dad any further from having to wait outside in his vehicle.
Marshall came back in and informed me that he would go ask the CPD officer onsite how that was going to work.
Upon Marshall coming back, he explained that my firearm had been âpossiblyâ transferred over to CPD and they âshouldâveâ brought it to Chicago Police Department Area 2 Police Center. This station is located about 1 mile east of the hospital at 727 E. 111th St. Chicago IL. 60628.
Due to Marshall seeming unsure in his answers to the process and the current location of my firearm I responded by questioning why my firearm had been moved from the lockbox and transported without anyone mentioning those facts to me. He informed me that all firearms are transferred over to CPD once inside the ER.
Marshall then explained I would now have to speak with CPD down the road to get my firearm back.
It was around this same time I was discharged from the ER and allowed to leave the hospital. My dad picked me up and we went over to CPD police station down the street.
Upon entering the building, I was greeted my a an officer at the main desk who asked me what I was there for. I explained my situation and she responded with a very puzzled look. Not sure with what I was asking, she called over the Sergeant on duty and I explained once again my situation. He stated he had never heard of the process I just explained. He then stepped away and got on the phone to see if this happened on an earlier shift.
While waiting for any news on my belongings, I asked the lady working the desk if this was a common thing that happens. She stated she has never heard of, or seen anything like this before. She stated hospitals have lockboxes for a reason and she was unsure of this whole process herself.
About 5 mins later , another âwhite shirtâ came down to me and introduced himself to me as a lieutenant for CPD. He stated that he was aware of this situation and that I âseemed incoherentâ while at the hospital.
I immediately question the Lieutenant on what he meant by that statement. He responded that hospital staff said that I appeared out of it and thatâs why the firearm was transported.
The Lieutenant then explained the process on how to get my firearm back. He mentioned to me that anytime a firearm is received by CPD, that it must go through a ballistic test. Basically where they fire the firearm in a secure manner and then run tests on it to see if itâs been involved in a crime. I would then have to provide documentation such as: proof of purchase and identification to retrieve it. My firearm would be transferred to CPD ballistic laboratory located at 1011 S Homan Ave Chicago, IL. 60624.
He stated that even after all of this, the final say as to whether or not I would receive my firearm back would be given by the Commander of CPD.
I once again explained my situation and how I was carrying legally and that I didnât feel that all this was necessary. He informed me that this is just CPD procedure.
I was then given a hand written note that included the RD number and an Inventory number that they(CPD) stated corresponded with my firearm.
My concern is that this seems to be a violation of my rights. Being that I was lawfully carrying my firearm on my person and inside the vehicle. It was confirmed by Trooper Carroll and numerous members of CPD STAFF.