Police Blotter: Traffic Stop Leads to Computer Investigation

Computer Investigation 

A routine traffic stop led to the start of an investigation into packages containing pieces of steel looking like computers on July 5, according to . 

Police observed Eugene Washington, 44, of Richmond, CA, driving south on Waukegan Road near Beechnut Lane with an expired registration, according to the report. After arresting Washington for driving without a license, police searched his car. 

During the search, police found a laptop computer in a box, according to the report. There were three additional boxes with “black pieces of steel that appeared to be a laptop at first glance but upon further investigation it was only a piece of steel which was the same dimensions and weight as the real laptop.” 

Police are continuing the investigation into the material found in the trunk of the car. 

Driving Without a License 

Marco Castaneda, 24, of Prospect Heights was arrested July 5 for driving without a license, according to Deerfield Police reports. 

Police saw Castaneda driving eastbound on Kates Road when a routine check showed the owner of the vehicle did not have an Illinois driver’s license, according to the report. Castaneda gave police a Mexican license. He was released on $1,500 bond and will appear in Lake County Court at 3 p.m. August 21 in Park City. 

Driving Without a License 

Jose Fernando Benitez-Slagado, 29, of Streamwood was arrested July 2 for driving without an Illinois license, according to Deerfield Police reports. 

According to the report, police stopped Benitez-Slagado driving east on Lake Cook Road near Deerlake Road because there was no registration displayed on the vehicle. After further investigation, police determined the license plate was under the bumper. Police also determined Benitez-Slagado did not have a valid Illinois license. He was released on bond and will appear in Lake County Court at 1:30 p.m. August 7. 

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