Billy Joe Delph, 67, of Merrillville, was taken into custody on U.S. 30 and I-65 after police observed him driving a Power Wheels toy vehicle and later determined he had active arrest warrants.
According to police, officers observed Delph operating a motorized children’s Power Wheels vehicle along U.S. 30 in Merrillville, creating a hazardous situation for traffic after a call to 911. Officers conducted a stop and made contact with Delph, who was identified through law enforcement databases.
During the investigation, officers learned Delph had outstanding arrest warrants tied to pending cases filed in Lake County. He was taken into custody without incident.
Pending Charges (Lake County Case Filed February 11, 2026):
Possession of Cocaine (Level 6 Felony)
Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
Driving While Suspended – Knowing Violation With Prior Conviction (Misdemeanor)
Possession of Paraphernalia (x2) (Misdemeanor)
Pending Charges (Lake County Case Filed July 29, 2024):
Possession of Cocaine (Level 6 Felony)
Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
Driving While Suspended – Knowing Violation With Prior Conviction (Misdemeanor)
Altered Interim License Plate (Misdemeanor)
Possession of Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor)
