Chicago men arrested at truck stop for driving without licenses

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Plymouth Police arrested two individuals from Chicago for driving without obtaining a driver’s license at the Love's Truck Stop on Wednesday.

Just before 1 a.m. on Sept. 11, Officer Fisher stopped a vehicle on U.S. 30 and Pioneer Drive for a headlight issue. The vehicle continued to the gas pumps at the Love's Truck Stop, and the officer noticed another vehicle followed him, pulling into the pump next to them.

The initial driver was identified as Osmer Manuel Aponte-Amarista, 24, of Chicago. When Officer Fisher approached the vehicle, he noticed a child lying down in the back seat without a seat belt or car seat.

During the traffic stop, it was determined that Aponte-Amarista had never had a driver's license. He was detained and placed in a patrol vehicle.

During this time, a male from the other vehicle entered Amarista’s vehicle. City officers talked to him and determined that the plates on his vehicle were expired.

Jhan Villalobos-Ramirez, 24, also of Chicago, had never been issued a driver's license. He was also placed in the rear of the patrol vehicle.

Both parties were transported to Marshall County Jail, booked in for operator never licensed, and held on a cash bond. Their bonds were paid, and within less than an hour, both were released on bond.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury, at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.