Satan Disciple Jose Perez was arrested Sunday for possession of a handgun. View Full Caption Chicago Police

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — The recent arrest of a prominent Satan Disciple is a big step towards curbing violent crime in the area, the new New West District Chicago Police commander said.

Jose Perez, a member of the Satan Disciples, was arrested Feb. 3 at 11 p.m. on the 2400 block of West Augusta Street, police said.

That night, Perez, 29, was seen getting out of a car a drawing a gun, Commander Melissa Staples said. Police were called and Perez was allegedly found with a .45 caliber handgun.

He was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun by a felon and is currently being held without bond.

Staples said her department has long been aware of Perez, who has a history of arrests. She said his arrest sends a message to other violent offenders.

Near West District Commander Melissa Staples addresses residents at a CAPS meeting Tuesday evening. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Chloe Riley

“This is the best thing that’s happened since I got here two months ago,” Staples said. " ... It's like Christmas for me."

Jose Perez's rap sheet dates back to his teens, when in 2001 he was sentenced to Cook County Boot Camp for selling or possessing stolen merchandise and burglary tools, authorities said. In 2002, he was sentenced to community service for assault.

He has also been arrested on other charges of assault, battery and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Perez has been in and out of jail since 2003 when he pled guilty to charges of manufacture and delivery of cocaine. Perez again pled guilty to receiving or possessing stolen merchandise in 2007 and received a 6-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections, police said.

Erin Meyer contributed to this report.