A Hammond man faces multiple felony charges after attempting to smuggle drugs into Westville Correctional Facility using a drone.
Drone Spotted Near Prison
Around 1:30 AM on March 21, 2025, officials at Westville Correctional Facility detected a drone flying near the prison. The Warden immediately alerted the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.
Responding officers, along with the Warden, searched the southeast perimeter of the facility. As they approached the tree line, a man emerged and ran northeast across an open field. The Warden ordered him to stop, but he ignored the command. Meanwhile, officers heard a buzzing sound and spotted a drone returning to its launch site.
Suspect Apprehended and Drugs Recovered
With assistance from Westville Police, officers arrested 29-year-old Eric Patino for resisting law enforcement. He was transported to the LaPorte County Jail.
A search of the area where Patino had been hiding uncovered multiple grocery bags filled with illicit substances. Field testing confirmed the presence of:
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5.1 grams of cocaine
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14.1 grams of fentanyl
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855.4 grams of marijuana
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225.2 grams of methamphetamine (crystal)
Authorities also seized:
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121 Suboxone strips (5.6 grams)
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798.8 grams of tobacco
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Five cell phones
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A drone with a remote and two extra battery packs
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Various tools, chargers, tape, and a blue blanket
Charges Filed
On March 23, 2025, Patino was formally charged with:
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Dealing in Methamphetamine (F2 Felony)
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Dealing in a Narcotic Drug – Fentanyl (F2 Felony)
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Dealing in a Narcotic Drug – Suboxone (F3 Felony)
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Dealing in Cocaine (F3 Felony)
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Dealing in Marijuana (F5 Felony)
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Attempted Trafficking with an Inmate (F5 Felony – 2 Counts)
Patino remains in custody at LaPorte County Jail.
