Melissa Marquina-Melchor, 30, and Karen J. Lopez-Ramirez, 30, both of Chicago, were arrested after Portage police said they found them loading utility wire into the trunk of a vehicle near Samuelson Road and Portage Avenue late Wednesday night.

According to court documents, police responded around 10:57 p.m. September 2 to a report of suspicious people collecting wire near utility poles. Officers reported seeing the women loading utility wire into the trunk of the vehicle. 

Police said Marquina-Melchor was driving and Lopez-Ramirez was the passenger. According to police, Marquina-Melchor said they did not know they could not take the wire from the side of the road. She allegedly told police Lopez-Ramirez said they could sell the copper in the wire for money.

Lopez-Ramirez allegedly told police they had picked up the wire near trash cans and that she assumed it was not stealing if someone was throwing it away.

Police reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officers said open alcohol containers, marijuana and a bottle of tequila were found inside the vehicle. Police said a bag of marijuana was found on top of Lopez-Ramirez’s purse, and three THC vape devices were later located inside her purse. 

Police said Marquina-Melchor showed signs of impairment during field sobriety testing. She later refused a breath test, and police obtained a warrant for a blood draw. Court records show the breath test was recorded as refused. 

Both women were transported to the Porter County Jail.

Charges filed September 3,2026:

Melissa Marquina-Melchor

Theft — Class A Misdemeanor

Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person — Class A Misdemeanor

Operating While Intoxicated — Class C Misdemeanor

Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor

Karen J. Lopez-Ramirez

Theft — Class A Misdemeanor

Possession of Marijuana — Class B Misdemeanor