ROGERS PARK — A man involved in a minor car crash on the Chicago-Evanston border tried to tell responding police officers what happened — but the bag of crack and heroin he had stashed in his mouth was a dead giveaway, police said.
Police said they were initially worried that Jamal Washington, 24, was hurt in the July 24 crash because they saw a big bulge in his cheek.
But when Washington opened his mouth slightly, officers saw a plastic bag. That's when Washington turned to run but was taken to the ground, police said.
They forced the large bag from his mouth and found 20 smaller bags — 11 with crack rocks and nine with pink colored pills that held tan powder believed to be heroin, police said.
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Washington, of the 7700 block of North Sheridan Road in Rogers Park, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, according to the police department.
The crash happened about 2:50 p.m. in the 400 block of Howard Street. Washington initially told officers he was driving one of the vehicles, police said.
Police said in a report that he was a known gang member. His 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix was impounded, according to the report.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 23.
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