Cocaine Packet Tossed in Police Pursuit: Blotter

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

DUI Charge for Lansing Man

Hector Meraz, Jr., 22, of the 2900 block of 118th Place in Lansing, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a blood-alcohol level greater than 0.08, speeding and driving without insurance, according to a report. During a traffic stop for speeding, an officer reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol coming from Meraz's breath. He was arrested after taking field sobriety tests. Meraz reportedly told police he had 3 Coors beers and several mixed drinks.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

Retail Theft Charge

Tyrone Lawson, 53, no address given, was charged with retail theft. He is accused of taking steaks around 2:40 p.m. from Ultra Foods, 571 W. 14th St. Lawson reportedly told police he was going to sell the steaks for propane and shelter.

Cocaine Possession

Michael D. Howard, 23, of the 200 block of Arcadia Street in Chicago Heights, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, obstructing police and resisting police, according to a report. Police tried to talk with Howard after he was seen walking in the roadway at about 4:50 p.m. near 1524 Chicago Rd. He ran away and, during the chase with police, tossed seven bags of a substance that tested positive for the presence of cocaine. When asked why he ran, Howard told police "You saw what you found." He was due in Markham court on March 26.

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Police report information is provided by the Chicago Heights Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.