Unlicensed Driver Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Cocaine Discovery in Hebron
A traffic stop in Hebron last month led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man who was allegedly in possession of cocaine and had never been issued a driver’s license, according to an affidavit filed by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
Melvin Suarez, a Nicaraguan national residing in Hobart, was charged with possession of cocaine, resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, and operating a vehicle without ever having received a license, in a case officially filed on May 6.
The arrest stemmed from an April 15 traffic stop at approximately 8:47 p.m. when a Lake County Sheriff’s Officer observed a white Chevrolet Express van with a malfunctioning headlight traveling eastbound on 181st Avenue. The officer initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled over on the northbound ramp to I-65.
Officers approached the van and identified the driver as Melvin Suarez via a Nicaraguan ID. Suarez reportedly told the officer, through a translator, that he did not speak English and did not have a driver’s license. A records check confirmed that Suarez had never been issued a license in the United States.
While the officer was still conducting the check, the van suddenly pulled away and began driving northbound on the ramp. Officer Henson pursued the vehicle, which eventually stopped again. Suarez was removed from the van, placed in restraints, and searched. During the search, a small plastic baggie containing a white powdery residue was found in Suarez’s back pocket.
The suspected cocaine was later field-tested using a NARK II test kit and returned a positive result for cocaine. Due to the small amount, the substance could not be weighed.
Suarez later told another officer—through a phone translator—that he received the baggie after completing a bathroom construction job at a residence.
An Indiana State Trooper and a K-9 partner conducted a search of the van. The K-9 alerted to the vehicle, but no additional contraband was found.
Suarez was booked into the Lake County Jail, where he was medically cleared. The cocaine was submitted into evidence and turned over for further testing.
Suarez was charged with: Level 6 Felony Possession of Cocaine, Level 6 Felony Resisting Law Enforcement-Defendant uses a vehicle., and Misdemeanor Knowingly or Intentionally Operating Motor Vehicle without Ever Receiving a License.
