Nicole Lynn Eckhoff, 27, of Hammond, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after Lake County deputies allegedly discovered more than 22 grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop Monday.
According to the probable cause affidavit, a Lake County Sheriff’s Department officer was patrolling near Colfax Street when he observed a black Dodge pickup abruptly turn away from him. Police said the officer recognized the female driver as Eckhoff through prior law enforcement records and learned her driver’s license was suspended.
Court documents state the vehicle was stopped near Ridge Road and Burr Street, where Eckhoff allegedly identified herself using an Indiana identification card. Police said the passenger consented to a search during which officers allegedly located copper wool commonly used as a filter for ingesting narcotics and multiple glass pipes containing burnt residue.
According to the affidavit, officers also allegedly located another pipe inside an open bag of chips in the vehicle and found two additional pipes underneath the passenger seat. Deputies further reported locating a large bag containing a white crystal-like substance inside an open purse on top of the center console within Eckhoff’s reach, along with two digital scales.
Police said Eckhoff volunteered that she was five months pregnant. Detectives later weighed the suspected narcotics at 22.1 grams, and the substance allegedly field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Investigators also determined Eckhoff previously had been convicted of driving while suspended earlier this year and that her license remained suspended at the time of the traffic stop, according to court documents.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed May 19, 2026:
Possession of Methamphetamine Between 10-28 Grams — Level 4 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine Under 5 Grams — Level 6 Felony
Driving While Suspended With Prior Conviction Within 10 Years — Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia — Class C Misdemeanor
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