Traffic Stop Nets Two Arrests & Gun
Thursday night at approximately 9:51 PM, Sergeant Jeff Wright was traveling eastbound on US 20 approaching CR 450 East. He observed a vehicle in excess of the posted speed limit traveling westbound on US 20 approaching him. Sergeant Wright activated his dash mounted radar unit. The speed of the vehicle was measured at 100 miles per hour. Sergeant Wright initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near the intersection of US 20 and 350 East.The driver was identified as Ankoma H. KIRK (20 YOA) of South Bend. A female passenger was identified as Ladericka R. BANKS (20 YOA) of Elkhart. As the traffic stop progressed, a loaded firearm was located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. KIRK and BANKS were taken into custody.KIRK was arrested and transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ). He was arrested for the following offenses:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Level 5 Felony)
- Obliterating Identifying Marks on a Firearm (Level 5 Felony)
- Reckless Driving (C-Misdemeanor)
- Operating While Never Licensed (C-Misdemeanor)
KIRK remains housed in the LCJ and is being held on a $15,005.00 cash-only bond through Superior Court I.BANKS was arrested and transported to the LCJ. She was arrested for following the offense:
- ABC Violation (Minor Consumption of Alcohol), C-Misdemeanor
This afternoon, BANKS was released from the LCJ on her own recognizance.Assisting: Captain Brian Piergalski, Deputy Jet Balenia and Deputy David GrimbergArrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
