Traffic Stop in New Chicago Leads to Felony Intimidation Charge
A 42-year-old Lake Station woman, Kenyana Denaye Thomas, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a traffic stop in New Chicago that led to the discovery of drugs, false identification, and an alleged threat toward a police officer.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on January 8, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., an officer with the New Chicago Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a black Hyundai Elantra traveling southbound on Michigan Street after observing traffic infractions.
During the stop, the officer identified the driver as operating a vehicle with a suspended status. The front-seat passenger was identified as the registered owner of the vehicle. The rear-seat passenger initially provided identifying information that was later determined to be false.
The affidavit states the rear passenger provided a name and date of birth that returned as “not on file.” When questioned further, she was unable to provide consistent identifying information and later stated she lied about her identity “because it was fun,” according to the affidavit.
During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers located an Indiana identification card belonging to Thomas and confirmed she had an active felony warrant at the time of the stop. Officers also located suspected marijuana, suspected THC oil, and a round metal container with white powder residue believed to be cocaine inside a purse Thomas had been holding. Field tests later returned presumptive positive results for marijuana and cocaine.
While being transported to the Lake County Jail, the affidavit states Thomas became increasingly agitated, attempted to move her handcuffs, threatened to spit on the officer, and directed racial slurs toward the officer.
While waiting to enter the jail facility, Thomas stared at the officer’s vest and stated she was looking at the officer’s name so she could instruct her children to find the officer’s children and “beat their ass,” according to the affidavit.
Thomas was lodged into the Lake County Jail.
Charges filed January 9,2026:
• Intimidation: Threat to Commit a Forcible Felony – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Cocaine – Level 6 Felony
• False Informing – Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor
Court records show Thomas also has another pending Lake County case filed in November 2025, involving the following charges:
• Possession of Cocaine (<5 grams) – Level 6 Felony
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person – Class A Misdemeanor
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
