Rockford man arrested after waving rifle from car, believed women ‘liked these things’
Man Arrested in Rockford After Waving Rifle From SUV, Cites Sexual Motive
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford man was arrested early Friday after police say he was seen waving a rifle while hanging out of an SUV. The man told officers he carried the weapon in an attempt to increase his chances of having sex with women in the vehicle.
Rockford police responded to a call around 12:30 a.m. Friday on the 200 block of W. State St., reporting a man hanging out of a black SUV with a gun.
Upon arrival, officers were approached by 27-year-old Sabah Bonilla, who confirmed he had been inside the vehicle. Police say a black Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle, designed to resemble an AR-15, was visible on the back seat.
During a search, officers found a magazine loaded with thirty .22-caliber rounds tucked inside Bonilla’s left pant leg near his ankle, leading to his immediate arrest.
According to charging documents, Bonilla told police he carried the rifle because he “was attempting to have sexual relations with the female occupants of the vehicle,” and he believed “having the firearm would increase his chances of success as he believed women liked these things.”
Bonilla, who has four prior weapons offense convictions, is charged with aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 16, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.