Wheatfield Man Charged After Giving Multiple False Names During I-65 Traffic Stop
A Wheatfield man, 47-year-old Timothy Earl Maschmeyer, has been charged in Lake County after state police say he repeatedly gave false names and dates of birth during a traffic stop on I-65 in Merrillville.
According to court documents, a state trooper was patrolling I-65 near the approximate 254-mile marker on November 16, 2025, when he saw a silver Ford pickup traveling with a large fog light illuminated and a brake light illuminating white light.The vehicle was stopped on I-65 near the approximate 252-mile marker in Merrillville.
The affidavit states the trooper could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver. The man did not have a driver’s license and instead gave the name “Timothy Daniel Lydon” with a date of birth of 08-01-1977, but no record was found. When asked again to write his information, he provided the same name with a different date of birth, 12-01-1980, and again no record was located.
The driver provided a Florida vehicle registration, but the listed owner’s photo and description did not match. After he continued insisting his name was Lydon, the trooper detained him and read Miranda warnings.
The affidavit states the trooper began impairment checks during the stop. The man initially agreed but then refused to continue, saying “just give me a breathalyzer or take me to jail.” He provided a portable breath sample of 0.000% at 6:45 p.m.
When confronted about the conflicting birthdates, the man said he had given his son’s date of birth and stated he was sorry he gave his son’s date of birth. After continued refusal to identify himself, the trooper photographed him and used facial-recognition software, which identified him as Timothy Earl Maschmeyer, born 08-1978. A records check confirmed the identity.
The affidavit states Maschmeyer had active warrants out of Pulaski County for failure to appear and other underlying criminal charges.
During the book-in process at the Lake County Jail, staff located a glass pipe with white residue inside his left pants pocket, which was secured as evidence. A vehicle inventory also found numerous bottles of open containers of alcoholic beverages.
Charges filed November 18,2025:
• Identity Deception — Level 6 Felony
• False Identity Statement — Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia; Introducing, Prior Conviction — Class A Misdemeanor
• Improper Use of Fog Lamps — Infraction
• Improper or No Stop Lamp — Infraction
• Open Alcoholic Beverage Container During Operation of a Motor Vehicle — Infraction
• No Valid Driver’s License — Infraction
• Failure of Occupant to Use a Safety Belt — Infraction
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
