Drunken Jeep Driver Had Stun Gun, Cannabis: Plainfield Police

The Romeoville woman was driving with an open container of alcohol, two THC vapes and a stun gun in an unlocked box, police said.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A 26-year-old Romeoville woman was pulled over for speeding on Route 59 in Plainfield, Illinois and was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. During the traffic stop, police discovered an open container of alcohol, two THC vapes, and a stun gun in an unlocked box in her vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the potential for more serious criminal charges when other illegal items are found in a vehicle, such as weapons and drugs. It also raises concerns about public safety when individuals operate vehicles while under the influence.

The details

Police said they pulled over the silver Jeep driven by Brittney Mendez-Padilla just before 2 a.m. on February 18 for speeding on northbound Route 59. Mendez-Padilla displayed signs of impairment, and officers found an open container of alcohol, a THC vape, and another THC vape on the driver's seat. During a search of the vehicle prior to it being towed, officers also located a stun gun in an unlocked box on the passenger seat. Mendez-Padilla was arrested and charged with speeding, driving without insurance, driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated DUI, transportation of open alcohol by the driver, unlawful possession of cannabis by the driver, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

  • The traffic stop occurred just before 2 a.m. on February 18, 2026.
  • Mendez-Padilla's arrest was included in the Plainfield Police Department's Monday police blotter.

The players

Brittney Mendez-Padilla

A 26-year-old woman from Romeoville, Illinois who was pulled over for speeding and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol with various illegal items in her vehicle.

Plainfield Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and made the arrest of Mendez-Padilla.

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What they’re saying

“The Romeoville woman was driving with an open container of alcohol, two THC vapes and a stun gun in an unlocked box, police said.”

— Luke Ostreko, Administrative Sergeant (Patch)

What’s next

Mendez-Padilla was released from custody after her arrest. The judge will determine if she will be allowed out on bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the serious risks and consequences of driving under the influence, as well as the potential for additional criminal charges when other illegal items are found in a vehicle. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible and sober driving to protect public safety.