Man Tries To Bring Loaded Handgun Into State Building: Police

(STMW) -- A Flossmoor man was arrested Monday for allegedly trying to bring a loaded handgun into a state office building downtown.

Darren Collier, 49, was arrested about noon after an x-ray screening at the James R. Thompson Center revealed the weapon in his computer case, according to a statement from Illinois State Police.

Authorities recovered a loaded .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun from the bag, police claim.

Collier told authorities he was at the facility for a meeting and forgot the weapon was in his bag, police said. He does not have a valid Firearm Owner's ID card, the statement said.

He told authorities he carried the weapon for protection, police said.

Collier, of Flossmoor, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm in a prohibited area, and not having a valid FOID card, the statement said.

He was processed and released on his own recognizance, the statement said.