Lake County Gazette

Two Lake County residents were arrested following a failed traffic stop that escalated into a confrontation with deputies. At 2 a.m. on March 8, a Lake County Sheriff's deputy attempted to stop a vehicle driving without its headlights.

According to the news release, the incident occurred in the Washington Street and Lancer Lane area in Grayslake. A deputy observed the vehicle without headlights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver accelerated to 80 mph in a 45 mph zone before stopping in a driveway on Cambridge Drive, Grayslake.

The news release said that upon stopping, the driver exited aggressively and refused to comply with instructions. As deputies tried to arrest him, he resisted, prompting one deputy to use a Taser to subdue him.

The release further noted that while deputies dealt with the driver, the passenger interfered by kicking one of them and resisting arrest. She was subsequently subdued and taken into custody.

According to the news release, charges were approved by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office after reviewing the incident. Swayne Carranza, 38, from Round Lake Beach, faces charges including resisting arrest and aggravated speeding. He was released on pre-trial conditions. Maria Lara, 32, from Grayslake, was charged with aggravated battery against an officer among other offenses and remained in custody pending her court appearance.

The Grayslake Police Department assisted deputies during the incident. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.