Lake County HIU Makes Big Arrest Thanks To Munster Officer
“I am pleased to congratulate Munster Police Department Detective Reillo, who is assigned to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Highway Interdiction Unit, for a job well done,” said Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.
At about 9:29 a.m. Monday (10/05/20), Reillo was traveling west on Interstate 90 in Porter County when he spotted a Nissan Pathfinder following too closely behind another vehicle. Detective Reillo was backed up by Lake County Sheriff’s Department Detective Anderson, who pulled the vehicle over near Portage exit, and Lake County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Fotia, who also assisted. The 28-year-old driver and sole occupant of the vehicle told officers that the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend and that she knew he had the SUV. Officers were unable to confirm that information. Detective Anderson performed a record check and revealed the Pathfinder SUV had been reported stolen out of Chicago, IL. Detective Anderson also determined the subject initially gave false information about his identity. It was later determined that the subject’s last known address was in Griffith, IN.
While waiting for a tow truck to arrive, the subject began to scream and complain that his handcuffs were too tight. Officers removed him from a patrol car and sat him on a grassy area, at which time officers checked the handcuffs and attempted to make an adjustment. At that time, the subject pulled away from officers and began swinging his arms and kicking in an attempt to escape custody. Officers repeatedly told the subject to stop resisting, but he did not. Detective Reillo used the stun feature on his Taser for 4 to 5 seconds to try to subdue the subject. The subject stopped resisting after a second stun.
Detective Reillo found that the subject had an active warrant for escape and weapons violations out of Illinois. He was transported to the Porter County Jail facing possible charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, false informing, and resisting law enforcement. He is awaiting extradition to Cook County, IL.
“I’m extremely proud of Detective Reillo, Detective Anderson and Sergeant Fotia for their attention to detail and diligence in helping to bring this suspect to justice,” said Sheriff Martinez. “I also thank Munster Police Chief Steve Scheckel for assigning Detective Reillo to the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Highway Interdiction Unit, which falls under the Lake County Drug Task Force.”
“This collaboration strengthens our ties with other jurisdictions in our area and gives us unique capabilities when it comes to solving cases involving stolen cars and also getting dangerous substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl off of our streets,” Sheriff Martinez said. “Our joint investigations often begin with a traffic stop for suspicious activity, but expand to include other crimes. We are able to utilize specialized units including the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Auto Theft, Warrants, our Detective Bureau and Homicide and Special Victims Units to help the Drug Task Force with violent crime and other types of criminal activity.”
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Department Highway Interdiction Unit is made up of officers from Gary, Munster and Highland and Dyer who work in coordination with Lake County detectives and investigate organizations and individuals involved in the distribution of narcotics in Lake County,” the sheriff said.
“Additionally, this team approach is an effective way to combat crime at a savings to Lake County taxpayers. Equipment and funds seized during Drug Task Force investigations can eventually be redistributed and used by the jurisdictions involved,” the sheriff said. “It’s a way we take the fruits of illicit activity and use them to investigate people involved in crimes.”
