On September 20, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Will County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a routine traffic stop on a red Ford Econoline van traveling northbound on Interstate 55 near Reed Road.

During the stop, the driver, 48-year-old Jose David Rodarte-Garcia, made statements that raised suspicions the vehicle might contain illegal narcotics. Rodarte-Garcia voluntarily consented to a search of the vehicle by K9 Edo and his handler.

While conducting a perimeter sniff, K9 Edo alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed more than 15 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a hidden rear compartment.

Rodarte-Garcia was taken into custody and transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility. He has been initially charged with the following felony offenses:

• Possession with Intent to Deliver

• Controlled Substance Trafficking Using a Cellular Device

• Controlled Substance Trafficking

This case remains under investigation by the Will County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement partners.