Lake County- Saturday evening (May 22nd) at approximately 6:40 p.m., Trooper Isajczuk was participating in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Patrol Blitz. A gray Volkswagen was observed traveling eastbound on East Chicago Ave. in East Chicago at a high rate of speed. A radar measured the vehicle’s speed at 82 mph in a posted 45 mph roadway.
A traffic stop was initiated on Columbus Drive just west of Cline Ave. During the traffic stop, the investigation lead officers to conduct a search of the vehicle. That search resulted in two handguns being located as well as marijuana. The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody without incident. The driver of the vehicle was identified as James R. Nelson, 20, of Lansing, Illinois. The front passenger was identified as Joe. J. Watkins, 22, of East Chicago, Indiana.
Mr. Watkins is preliminarily charged with the following:
- Felon in Possession of a Handgun- Level 5 Felony
- Carrying a Handgun Without a License- Class A Misdemeanor
- Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor
Mr. Nelson is preliminarily charged with the following:
- Carrying a Handgun Without a License- Class A Misdemeanor
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a Driver’s License- Class C Misdemeanor
It was later discovered that Mr. Watkins also had a warrant for Resisting Law Enforcement. Assisting at the scene was the East Chicago Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Department.
Lt. Terry Gose commented on the results of the weekend blitz, “Troopers at the Indiana State Police Lowell Post will continue to work with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and their proactive efforts to making our district a safer place for all.” Sheriff Oscar Martinez also expressed his appreciation to the agencies assisting with the blitz. He stated, "I value the partnership that we have with the Indiana State Police and look forward to continuing our work together and with all of the agencies in the region."
All persons named in this release are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. All charges mentioned are merely accusations, actual charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.
