Probation Officer Charged Following Accidental Shooting
A DuPage County official faces felony charges after an accidental firearm discharge in Wheaton.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Law Enforcement
DuPage County authorities have charged 27-year-old probation officer Morgan Stich with felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The charges followed an incident where Stich suffered a gunshot wound to her foot after her firearm discharged inside her waistband.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences for possessing firearms without required documentation, even for individuals employed within the criminal justice system. The incident is currently under review by local authorities in DuPage County.
Morgan Stich faces a felony charge for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after police recovered a 9 mm handgun from her apartment. A judge granted her pretrial release on October 9.
The players
Morgan Stich
She is a 27-year-old DuPage County probation officer who now faces felony charges.
The details
Police reported that Stich stated the firearm lacked a safety and discharged while she was wearing sweatpants at approximately 4:33 p.m. Law enforcement later executed a search warrant at her residence in the 1400 block of an apartment building, where they recovered the weapon.
Timeline
The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 8, 2026.
A judge granted the defendant pretrial release on October 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows established patterns for prosecuting violations of the Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Act, which requires specific licensing for legal weapon possession. It serves as a reminder that state penal codes regarding firearm safety and licensing apply uniformly across all professions.
Residents in the area should remain aware of local safety regulations regarding firearm storage and licensing. The incident did not result in broader public safety advisories or road closures.
The takeaway
Gun safety experts emphasize that carrying firearms without professional holsters or safety mechanisms poses significant risks to the user. Proper training and adherence to state licensing requirements remain essential for anyone authorized to carry a weapon.
Further reading
For more information on regional oversight and official conduct, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Herald.
