Two arrested for driving without a license in separate Saturday traffic stops

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Marshall County Sheriff's deputies made two separate arrests on Saturday evening involving individuals operating vehicles without ever having obtained a driver's license.

The first incident occurred on Saturday, March 21st, at approximately 5:06 p.m. Deputy Alex Truty initiated a traffic stop on U.S. 31 near 17th Road for a moving violation. During the ensuing investigation, deputies discovered that the driver, 20-year-old Elaja M. Johnson, of Beechgrove, was operating the motor vehicle without ever receiving a valid license. Additionally, Johnson was found to be in possession of marijuana.

Johnson was transported to the Marshall County Jail and booked on charges of possession of marijuana and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license. Her bond was set at $250. The Argos Police Department assisted at the scene.

Later that same evening, at approximately 8:05 p.m., Deputy Andrew Wozniak conducted a separate traffic stop on a silver 2005 Chevrolet passenger car on 14th Road, just east of U.S. 31. The driver, identified as 50-year-old Bruce L. Espenscheid of Peru, was also found to be operating the vehicle without ever receiving a driver's license.

Espenscheid was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail on the charge. His bond was set at $100. The Argos Police Department and Lyon's Towing assisted with the incident.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. All suspects 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.