MEDIA RELEASE
On 11-26-22 at about 7:00 PM, officers from the Galena Police Department responded to the area of Christmas Tree lighting on Commerce Street in response to the report of a vehicle that had been driving recklessly several times. Officers located the vehicle unoccupied a short distance away. Looking through the windows of the vehicle, officers saw, in plain view, a handgun in the front seat.

At about 7:50 PM, officers observed a male and a female subject walking toward the vehicle. As the subject reached the vehicle, officers made contact with them, and they were detained.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers not only uncovered the handgun that was seen earlier, but an AR-10 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, and an AK-47 pistol. All the firearms were loaded and close to 900 rounds of ammunition were located in the vehicle. A black ski mask and first aid were also located.

Samuel Stoddard of Platteville, Wisconsin was charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful use of weapons. Samuel was transported to Jo Daviess County Jail and was released the following day.

The incident is still under investigation and more charges are likely. The public is reminded that anyone charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted.