IDOC parolee arrested by Pontiac Police

A man on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections was arrested by Pontiac Police Wednesday on firearm and drug charges.

Police stopped a vehicle leaving Pontiac on Interstate 55 when an officer observed drugs in plain view inside the vehicle. The driver, Charles France Jr., was found to be on parole.

France reportedly attempted to move away from officers when they began a search outside of the vehicle but they were able to handcuff him. A loaded .45 caliber Glock pistol was found in his waistband and a controlled substance in the pocket of his pants.

Following a search of the vehicle, police located cannabis, counterfeit $50 bills and a black ski mask.

At the time of his arrest, France was on parole for aggravated discharge of a firearm. France was taken to the Livingston County Jail and arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful possession of a firearm by repeat felony offender, possession of a controlled substance, possession of adult use cannabis in a vehicle and obstructing a peace officer.

Pontiac Police remind the public all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.