Crime & Safety

DUI, Possession of Heroin Among Many Charges Driver Faces After Traffic Stop in Elmhurst

Heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and open alcohol all found in vehicle.

Taushia Smith, 50, 4944 W. Huron, Chicago, was arrested and charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a controlled substance, among other things, after police pulled over her red Pontiac Grand Am for improper lane use, failure to signal and expired plates at Route 83 and Riverside Drive Dec. 31.

When police pulled her over at 11:48 p.m., they also discovered that she was driving with a license that had been revoked for DUI. According to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office, it was her third violation for aggravated DUI. Police said they also found heroin on her person and crack cocaine inside the vehicle. She was taken to DuPage County Jail, where she is being held on $10,000 bond. Her vehicle was towed for forfeiture.

Two passengers in her car also are facing charges. Michael Chatman, 59, 1341 N. Central, Chicago, was charged with illegal transportation of open alcohol. Latashe Walker, 36, 4669 Barnes, Jacksonville, Fla., was charged with possession of cannabis. They were released on bond.

Patch reports on law enforcement activity using information provided by official agencies. Persons charged with a crime or issued a citation for violation of a local ordinance are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you or a family member are charged with a crime or cited for a violation and the charge or citation is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to contact karenc@patch.com and we will do follow-up reporting on the case.


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