Cedar Lake, IN – A Wednesday evening traffic stop in Lake County led to an alleged drug discovery and arrest after a K9 alerted officers to narcotics inside a vehicle, according to the Cedar Lake Police Department.
According to the advisory, the incident occurred around 5:53 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when K9 Officer Ben Tomko observed a Toyota on Wicker Avenue weaving within its lane and displaying an obstructed license plate. Police say the vehicle was driven by Rodney Buckles, 43, of Chicago.
During the stop in the 13300 block of Wicker Avenue, Officer Tomko allegedly observed three cellphones and a white powder on Buckles’ pants and on a phone screen. K9 Johnny was deployed and gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the vehicle, police said.
Officers report locating two large baggies of a white substance, a digital scale, approximately $6,112 in cash, plastic baggies, and in the trunk, a green leafy substance. Police say field tests indicated the white substance was cocaine (weighing 85 grams) and the green leafy substance was marijuana (weighing 3 grams).
Buckles was taken into custody and lodged at the Lake County Jail. On December 11, 2025, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office charged him with:
• Count I: Dealing in Cocaine – Level 2 Felony
• Count II: Possession of Marijuana – B Misdemeanor
• Count III: Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor
Police emphasized that all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The department also commended K9 Officer Tomko and K9 Johnny for their work during the arrest.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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