(Westville, IN) - Some confusion about door-to-door solicitation in Westville led to an arrest of a Mishawaka woman.

 

On Monday, police in Westville were notified about solicitors who were canvassing the area of New Durham Estates Avenue representing an energy company from Illinois. Residents were concerned that something fraudulent may be taking place.

 

A police officer encountered two females and asked if they had a proper license from Westville Town Hall to solicit business. One of them, 21-year-old Akayhla Dixon, allegedly refused to provide identification as required by Indiana law.

 

After being advised she would be placed under arrest for Failure to Identify, Dixon allegedly physically resisted the officer.

 

Dixon was booked into La Porte County Jail on two Misdemeanor charges. Police say Dixon resides in Mishawaka, but court records place her in Lombard, IL.

 

According to the Westville Police:

“It was eventually determined that the solicitors are employed by a legitimate company and there was no attempt to defraud Westville residents. Solicitors are required by Ordinance 2007-2 to register with the Town Hall and receive a Transient Merchant License to solicit business from the residents of the Town of Westville. This enables the residents to be notified of legitimate solicitors in the area and help protect the residents from fraudulent merchants and/or scams. Anyone soliciting business in the town limits should be able to produce the license approved and signed by the Town Marshal if requested.”