Lowell Man Arrested and Charged with Bribery, OWI After I-80/94 Stop
LAKE STATION / MERRILLVILLE- A Lowell man, identified in court records as Jeffrey Scott Kujat Jr., was arrested after multiple 911 callers reported a green Ford Ranger driving erratically westbound on I-80/94 the morning of October 28, 2025, at approximately 8:42 a.m.
Troopers with the Indiana State Police said the Ranger was using all three lanes, swerving onto the shoulder, and nearly striking other motorists before finally stopping after emergency lights and sirens were activated. The driver, later identified as Kujat, exhibited slurred speech, unsteady balance, and extremely slow movements, and a portable breath test registered .280 BrAC, the affidavit states .
Kujat allegedly told troopers he had drank two 24-ounce beers at a job site and had taken gabapentin and painkillers that morning. While being transported to and waiting at Methodist Hospital Southlake Campus, the affidavit says Kujat became belligerent, had mood swings, urinated on himself, and pleaded with troopers to let him go and take him home. When told they could not, the document states he then asked one of the troopers, “if he wanted a thousand,” referring to $1,000. He then asked two more times if he “wanted a thousand.” A trooper replied, No, we don’t take bribes.Kujat then began laughing, and when told bribery is a felony crime, he said he “already knows” and that he “was just joking” and to “shut the fuck up.”
Charges Filed October 29, 2025:
• Bribery – F5 Felony
• Bribery – F5 Felony
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated: Prior Conviction Within 7 Years – F6 Felony
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person – Class A Misdemeanor
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
Lodged in the Lake County Jail.
