K9 Mao locates drugs during traffic stop

By: 
Staff Report

Wilmington Police Department’s canine handler, Officer Kris Hopper, saw a the driver of a vehicle commit a few minor traffic infractions at about 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, and stopped the vehicle as it was turning onto the ramp toward Interstate 55 from Lorenzo Road.
When Officer Hopper approached the vehicle the window wouldn’t work so the passenger, Sherri A. Cooney, 50, of Plainfield, opened the door. When she did, Officer Hopper could smell what he believed to be marijuana emitting from inside.
Cooney admitted that there was some marijuana in the vehicle, so Officer Hopper brought out his canine partner, Mao, to confirm her statement. Mao made fast work of locating the illegal substance in the car, and Cooney admitted it was hers. She was placed under arrest.
Cooney was transported to the Wilmington police station and processed. The Will County State’s Attorney approved felony charges, and Cooney was charged with possession of cannabis over 100 grams, a class 4 felony, possession with intent to deliver, a class 3 felony and possession of drug equipment, a class a misdemeanor.
Cooney was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility to await a bond hearing.

Editor's note: Persons named in the police report are innocent of any charges until proven guilty in a court of law.