Northwest Indiana- A Lowell trooper recently had an eventful day while patrolling in the district. On Saturday, February 18th, at 7:00 a.m., the trooper stopped a Chevrolet Cruze on I-94 at the 40 mile-marker for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and also observed marijuana products in the passenger area of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in approximately 1 lb. of marijuana products in the front seat. Additionally, 60 grams of cocaine, 96 Xanax tablets and 76 Adderall tablets were also discovered in the vehicle. The driver, Daniel New, 24, from Hartsel, CO, was arrested and transported to the LaPorte County Jail. Mr. New was charged with the following offenses:
- Dealing Cocaine- Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Cocaine- Level 3 Felony
- Dealing in a Schedule II Controlled Substance- Level 2 Felony
- Dealing in a Schedule IV Controlled Substance- Level 6 Felony
- Possession of a Controlled Substance- Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor
Later in the day at 3:50 p.m., the same trooper attempted to stop a gray SUV on I-94 near the 43 mile-marker. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued west to exit 26 (Chesterton/Porter Exit) where the driver drove north onto S.R. 49. The pursuit ended when the driver crashed near the entrance to the Indiana Dunes just north of U.S. 12. Officers were able to take the driver into custody without further incident. 17 lbs. of marijuana as well as a bag containing over $10k in cash were discovered inside the vehicle. The driver, Michael P. Lopez, 28, from Aurora, IL, was transported to the LaPorte County Jail. Mr. Lopez was charged with the following offenses:
- Dealing Marijuana- Level 5 Felony
- Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle- Level 6 Felony
- Possession of a Controlled Substance- Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor
- Reckless Driving- Class C Misdemeanor
All persons named in this release are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Pic 1 and 2 from Mr. New's traffic stop.
Pic 3 and 4 from Mr. Lopez' traffic stop.