La Porte, IN – Two men from New York City were arrested in La Porte County following a series of traffic stops along Interstate 80/90, which culminated in a foot chase and the recovery of suspected narcotics.
Incident Summary
On Tuesday morning at around 11 a.m., La Porte County deputies initiated a traffic stop on a blue Kia Telluride near the 52-mile marker. The driver, Carlos Velez-Angulo (39) from the Bronx, and passenger Billy Santiago (45) from Brooklyn, were questioned by deputies. During the stop, authorities discovered that Santiago was wanted for a parole violation in New York, leading to his immediate arrest. Velez-Angulo was initially released.
Foot Chase and Discovery of Narcotics
Later in the day, at approximately 5:52 p.m., the same vehicle was stopped near the 55-mile marker. During this second stop, Velez-Angulo was asked to exit the vehicle, but instead fled on foot across multiple lanes of traffic. A perimeter search, aided by Indiana State Police, led to the discovery of two vacuum-sealed packages, which are believed to contain narcotics.
Arrest and Charges
Authorities were able to apprehend Velez-Angulo near the 61-mile marker. He has since been charged with two counts of Level 2 felony dealing in a narcotic drug and misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. He is currently being held in the La Porte County Jail on a $50,005 cash-only bond.
Meanwhile, Santiago remains in custody for the parole violation. Prosecutors are continuing to review the case against Velez-Angulo as the investigation progresses.
Local Impact and Safety Alerts
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of drug trafficking on major highways in the region. Local law enforcement is encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
The La Porte County drug bust highlights the increased vigilance by local law enforcement in dealing with suspected narcotics trafficking. As authorities continue to review the evidence and charges, both suspects face significant legal consequences.
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