Prospect Heights traffic stop nets cocaine charge

A 22-year-old Melrose Park man was behind bars Saturday after police alleged that they found cocaine during a traffic stop in Prospect Heights.

Prospect Heights police said an officer observed a car squeal its tires at the intersection of Pleasant and Piper streets around 8:48 p.m. Friday. The officer checked the car's license plate and learned the car was registered to a driver without a valid driver's license.

While police were booking Valentin Ortiz Vazquez on the traffic charge, they allegedly found a bag containing about 1 ounce of cocaine in his clothing. Vazquez was charged with possession of a controlled substance and is being held on $20,000 bond.

He is due back in Rolling Meadows court May 29.