Indiana State Police - ISP

Indiana State Police Urge Motorists to Move Over and Slow Down

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:46:08 -0800

REDKEY, IN - During the history of the Indiana State Police, there have been seven (7) state troopers, and one (1) motor carrier enforcement officer struck and killed while working alongside Indiana roadways.

Lieutenant Mike Nichols, Commander of the Redkey District reminds drivers that Indiana law requires motorists to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped on two or four lane roadways with emergency lights flashing.

"The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Please be alert when you see emergency lights flashing and give them room to do their job safely. Violating the law can result in a fine and your license will be suspended up to 2 years if you cause damage to emergency equipment, injury or death to an emergency worker", Nichols said.

Motorists MUST change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do it SAFELY, if not they must SLOW DOWN and proceed with caution. We are asking motorists NOT TO STOP in the roadway, this may cause a chain reaction rear end collision with other vehicles, but SLOW DOWN and/or MOVE OVER.

Indiana Emergency vehicles include:

Police Vehicles
Ambulances
Fire trucks and rescue equipment
Highway incident-response vehicles
Highway work vehicles
Vehicle recovery equipment (tow trucks)

ISP Warns Homeowners in Jefferson County of Daytime Burglaries

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:45:50 -0800

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IN - Over the past two weeks there have been at least five burglaries that have taken place in Jefferson County during daylight hours. In one incident the victim was still at home asleep upstairs when the suspect(s) made entry and stole a big screen television.

The suspects apparently approach homes and peer into windows to see if they can locate anything of value they might want to steal then return later. At approximately 1:00 a.m. Friday morning, November 7 there was a report of at least two men in the East Prong Road area of Jefferson County approaching homes to look through the windows but they were apparently scared away by barking dogs.

The suspects are possibly driving a white late model, foreign SUV or an unknown color Cadillac. It is believed the driver is a younger white female. It is also believed the burglars are dropped off in the area of the home they have targeted and the driver leaves the area and "hides" while the other suspect(s) commit the burglary. The driver is then contacted, possibly by cell phone or other electronic communication device, to return to pick up the burglar(s). ISP Detective First Sergeant Stan Tressler commented, "Obviously someone that bold could be pretty dangerous to victims that they encounter."

Residents in the Canaan area of Jefferson County and southern Ripley County are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in their area to the police. These individuals could be very dangerous so DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND THESE INDIVIDUALS.

When leaving home residents should make sure their doors are locked. They should also pull down shades or close the curtains and drapes around their windows. It also helps to leave a radio or television on to give the "appearance" the house is occupied.

When residents are going to be out of town for an extended period of time, they should contact a neighbor to keep an eye on their property, stop mail and newspaper deliveries, and make sure the house is secure. Forming neighborhood watch programs is also encouraged.

Indiana State Police and Jefferson County Sheriff's office are working together in an effort to solve these crimes. Anyone with information should contact either the Indiana State Police at (800) 566-6704 or the Jefferson County Sheriff's office at (812) 265-2648.

Indiana State Trooper Participates In and Completes Chicago Marathon

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:46:23 -0700

FORT WAYNE, IN - On October 12, 2008, Indiana State Police Senior Trooper Jason R. House participated in and completed the 31st Annual Chicago Marathon which was held in Chicago, Illinois. House, a 13 year veteran of the State Police, began running seriously four years ago when he joined a running club in Fort Wayne as a way to stay in shape. This past July, he joined the newly formed running club in Bluffton called Ouabache River Runners. This group currently has approximately 25 members, of which, House's wife Lisa and their two sons, Logan (7) and Ryan (4) are members.

House had run six mini-marathons in that time and felt that the "mystique of the marathon" inspired him to start training for this year's Chicago Marathon. He began an intense 18 week training regiment for the 26.2 mile run with his ultimate goal of "not only to finish, but to do so in less than four hours". House can boast that his goal was achieved as he was the 5681st to finish out of a field of 31,348 participants, and he did so in a time of three hours, fifty-six minutes and twenty-four seconds.

House is currently assigned to the Indiana State Police post in Fort Wayne and patrols both Adams and Wells counties. He encourages anyone with an interest in joining the Ouabache River Runners to contact its president, Mac McAvoy at (260) 450-1071 or online at teamorr.ning.com.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police at Bloomington Investigating Homicide

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:45:30 -0700

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Detectives at the Bloomington Post are investigating a homicide that occurred this morning near Ellettsville. An autopsy has been scheduled. The victim's name is not being released pending the notification of next of kin.

The investigation has lead investigators to a suspect in the case. John R. Moore III, 48 of Bloomington, a 5'8" white male with brown hair and blue eyes is being sought for questioning at this time. Moore is driving a red 2002 GMC Envoy bearing Indiana license plate "In God We Trust" AK8718.

The public is advised not to approach Moore or his vehicle but to contact the Indiana State Police Post at Bloomington or your nearest law enforcement agency if he is observed.

The investigation is ongoing. State Police detectives are pursuing a number of leads and attempting to secure search warrants regarding the case at this time. Anyone with any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of John R. Moore III is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Post at Bloomington at (812) 332-4411 or 1-800-423-1286.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police Check out AFP

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:32:37 -0700

Character Counts Celebration in Anderson - 10-11-08 Downtown Anderson and Edgewater Park. Indiana State Police were on hand with a helicopter for the public to see up close. (I asked about a ride, but it was a no-go. I imagine they use a lot of fuel.) The helicopter on hand was on its way back from looking for Marijuana and stopped in Anderson for the Madison County Character Counts celebration.

Don't Leave Yourself Unprotected

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 09:45:40 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - When you leave on vacation, go to work, or just leave for an hour or two, is your house easy access to burglars or other intruders? The Indiana State Police would like to offer some easy steps to follow to keep unwanted visitors from making entry to your house and help keep you from becoming a victim.

Lock your doors. That includes basement, side, and front door. Be sure your garage door is down and locked. Don't make it easy for an intruder to get in. Don't broadcast you are leaving on a certain date and returning on a certain date.
Have motion lights installed around the perimeter of the home. Especially in front of doors and windows. That way if someone is at the door, you can see them at night.
Make your home look like someone is there. Put lights inside and outside the home on timers to come on at dusk and go off at your regular time you retire for the evening. Put your radio or TV on a timer to go on and off each night. Don't set up your voicemail to give when you are gone and when you will return.
Stop your mail and newspaper delivery. Newspapers and mail are a big clue you are gone. Stop delivery or have someone get your mail daily.
Have someone check your house on a daily basis while you are gone. Be sure they check doors and windows. Check randomly each day. Start a neighborhood watch program. Become a good neighbor while others are away. Add an alarm system to your home.

If you come home and find your house or the house you are checking has been broken into, there are some steps to follow to help police solve the crime.

Don't go in. Let the police check the house and collect evidence to help in solving the crime. Don't walk around the house or pick up anything in the yard. It could have been used to commit the crime.
Call the police. Let them check the home in case someone is still inside. Protect yourself. Call from a cell phone or a neighbor's home.
Write down license plate numbers, description of the vehicle or vehicles, and description of possible suspects leaving the home. Get as much information as you can if you see someone breaking into a house or leaving a home you are watching. The more information you can provide, the more the police have to work on capturing the suspects.

First Sergeant Jon Smithers of the Indiana State Police says "Do what you can to protect yourself from burglaries and thefts. Don't leave valuables in plain view where someone can look in a window to see them lying out. Use home safes or lock boxes to protect your valuables".

If you suspect a crime is in progress while driving down the road, call 911 or your local police department and give your name and the location you are at while making the call. Give the road number, house number, the city and county you are in and any description of cars or other vehicles you see at that time. Do not confront the suspects! Let the police handle the situation. Your neighbor will appreciate anything you can do to protect their property.

Source: Indiana State Police

State Police Mustang Patrol Encounters More than Speeders

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:45:31 -0700

This past weekend seventeen officers with the Indiana State Police High Performance Vehicle Mustang Patrol rolled into the Notre Dame area to help supplement the patrol duties of local troopers. During home football weekends at Notre Dame, the state police typically see an increase in traffic. The previous weekend was no exception due to the proximity of Purdue University.

Senior Trooper Troy Sunier, assigned to the Indianapolis Post, found more than just a surprised driver when he stopped a speeding car in his blue Mustang for 90 mph in a 60 mph zone. State Trooper Sunier uncovered approximately 127 grams of marijuana and 247 grams cocaine inside the rental car.

The driver of the car, Sarah Shaw, 26, of Ft. Wayne, was incarcerated along with her three passengers. Ochieaunna Maxwell, 18, and Roosevelt Allen, 24, both of Ft. Wayne and Phillip Tate, 28, of Chicago, were all arrested for felony dealing and possession of cocaine and marijuana.

In all, troopers assigned to the detail wrote 973 traffic tickets and 76 warnings over the weekend. This included, but was not limited to citations for speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and otherwise driving aggressively. Senior Trooper Jim Zeser, who operates the high performance vehicle out of the Bremen Post said, “It’s about saving lives, preventing crashes and educating the public on the perils of reckless, irresponsible, and distracted driving. Indiana’s traffic laws are in place for everyone’s safety.”

Source: Indiana State Police

Traffic Stop Yields Large Amount of Marijuana

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 12:45:23 -0700

ADAMS COUNTY, IN - Two men, one from Decatur, Michigan and one from Elkhart, Indiana were arrested early Thursday morning by Indiana State Trooper Kris Coffey, for possessing approximately 60 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of the car that they were driving.

At approximately 1:23 am, Coffey and Decatur Police Officer Jamie Tharp, initiated a traffic stop in US 27 near County Road 900 N. During the course of the stop, Adams County Sheriff Deputy Pat Piper and his canine partner, Hegus, arrived to provide their trained assistance.

Hegus hit on the trunk and during the subsequent search, two cardboard boxes were located, each of which contained a large, plastic wrapped block of marijuana. Preliminary non-certified weight of each block was said to be approximately 30 pounds.

The men, identified as Francisco Javier Moreno-Albarran, 23, of Decatur, Michigan and Rodolfo M. Moreno, 18, of Elkhart, Indiana were taken into custody and incarcerated at the Adams County Jail. They were originally on their way to Elkhart from Columbus, Ohio when they were stopped.

According to Master Trooper Al Morris, Coordinator for the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Team at the Fort Wayne Post, the marijuana seized has a street value of $800-$1000 per pound.

Agencies assisting: Adams County Sheriff Department, Decatur Police Department and the Adams County Prosecutor’s Office.

Arrested and charged:

Francisco Javier Moreno-Albarran, 23, 48241 Ave 92, Decatur, MI
Rodolfo M. Moreno, 18, 25681 N. Park Ave., Elkhart, IN

Both men charged with Possession of Marijuana, Over 10 pounds, With Intent to Deliver, Class C Felony.

Source: Indiana State Police

New Jersey Runaways Found at Vigo County Campground

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:46:40 -0700

Two juvenile female runaways from the state of New Jersey were located today at 1:33p.m., in Hawthorne Park, eastern Vigo County. The pair was entered into a national crime data base as runaways with one entered on 9-18-2008 and the other on 9-24-2008. They were reportedly accompanied by one of the girl's non-custodial father, driving a blue 1994 Chevrolet Corsica with New Jersey plates.

Members of the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section were contacted this morning by the New Jersey State Police with information the runaways and the father were currently in the Terre Haute area. New Jersey Troopers also believed the three were staying in the father's car and possibly at a campground.

Acting on a hunch, Indiana State Police DES detectives and local troopers decided to check the Hawthorne Park on Old Maple Ave in eastern Vigo County. As they entered the park, Troopers Jason Fischer and Kris Fitzgerald spotted the suspect vehicle exiting the main entrance. The troopers stopped the vehicle and immediately took the father (driver) into custody. The two female runaways were located moments later in the bathhouse near their campsite, number #50.The campsite was processed by investigators and all parties were transported to the Terre Haute Post for further investigation.

ARRESTED: Arthur P. Lattimer, age 46, Belleplain, New Jersey

Incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail

CHARGE: Felony, Interference with Custody-New Jersey State Warrant

New Jersey Bond set at $150,000

Full extradition by New Jersey State Officials

The minor females were taken to the Vigo County Juvenile Center.

Investigated by: ISP Detectives Hans Nowak and Tony Guinn

Assisted by: ISP Drug Enforcement Investigators and Terre Haute District Troopers

Jason Fischer, Mark Overpeck, Kris Fitzgerald and Jason Kempf

Semi Rolls Over on I-70

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:46:03 -0700

RICHMOND, IN - On Monday, September 29, at approximately 2:15 a.m. this morning Connersville Trooper Nate Raney responded to a report of a semi roll over at the 149 mm on eastbound I-70. When he arrived he found a 2007 Freightliner on its side in the south side ditch just west of the 149mm exit on the eastbound side.

The driver, Josh Beckett, 29, of Xenia Ohio, said he drove off the road to avoid a deer. Beckett received minor cuts and bruises. Witnesses behind Beckett's truck said it was driving straight and just drove off the right side of the road and rolled. The truck's box trailer, which was loaded with sports drink, is being off loaded so the truck can be rolled back onto its wheels.

At this time the truck is still on its side. There may be lane blockages on the eastbound side later this morning when wreckers attempt to upright the truck. Trooper Raney was assisted at the scene by Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspectors and the Wayne County Sheriff's Department.

Source: Indiana State Police

Greentown Man Wins NSRA and Indiana State Police Alliance Safety Award

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:46:01 -0700

FAIRMOUNT, IN - The annual Fairmount James Dean Run was held this year at Playacres Park in Fairmount, Indiana during the James Dean Festival September 25-29. This is an opportunity for street rod and car enthusiasts to show off their prized automobiles. The event attracts thousands of people, who come to the event to view the various styles, designs, and unique attributes of each vehicle.

The National Street Rod Association (NSRA) offers vehicle safety inspections at each of the thirteen annual NSRA events, and at hundreds of independently produced activities all across the country, such as the James Dean Run.

The NSRA Vehicle Safety Inspection Program is completely voluntary, and includes 23 separate items from the lighting systems, suspensions, steering and brakes. The purpose of the safety inspection is to alert the vehicle owner of problem areas, either real or potential. As an "advisory" type inspection, it is only used to call the owner's attention to something which may have been overlooked. This program and number of vehicles inspected grows every year.

In 1994, the NSRA's Indiana Safety Team working with the Indiana State Police Alliance, developed the safety award, that consists of the vehicle having to pass all 23 items on its checklist, and must have 4 safety items, such as: fire extinguisher, seat belts, third brake light and a dual brake master cylinder. During the year, at one of nine different locations in the state, these vehicles are invited to take part in the NSRA/Indiana State Police Alliance Safety Award.

On September 28th, Larry Williams the Indiana Safety Inspector for the NSRA along with Sgt. Randy Renbarger, of the Indiana State Police Redkey District, proudly presented the NSRA/Indiana State Police Alliance Safety Award to this year's winner, Jack Roe of Greentown, Indiana who owns a custom 1947 Ford Coupe.

Source: Indiana State Police

Burglary Suspect Arrested in Tipton County

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:45:43 -0700

TIPTON, IN - Yesterday, at approximately 12:42 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police, Tipton County Sheriff’s Department, and Tipton Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress at a home near the 4000 block of West Division Road, Tipton IN. The burglary suspect fled the area prior to officers arriving. Officers set up a perimeter, searched corn fields and wooded areas, in an attempt to find the suspect who was later identified as Dana R. Zirkel, 42, of rural Windfall, IN.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., residents of a home west of the house where the initial 911 call was placed arrived home to find the window blinds pulled down in their house. The blinds were not usually in the down position. They notified nearby officers. Members of the Indiana State Police emergency response team along with a Tipton police officer and his police dog entered the residence. The police dog found Zirkel hiding in the attic with beer and bologna he had removed from a refrigerator in the home. He was arrested and incarcerated in the Tipton County Jail. He is being held without bond on an arrest warrant issued out of Madison County for burglary and theft.

An investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Tony Frawley revealed that the home owner near the 4000 block of West Division road arrived at his residence and allegedly found Zirkle in his house. The home owner confronted Zirkle who was armed with a handgun. A struggle ensued, and resulted in the homeowner exiting the house and entering his pickup truck. The homeowner then ran over a motorcycle Zirkle had parked in the driveway. Zirkle exited the house and picked up the motorcycle in an attempt to ride off. The homeowner hit the motorcycle a second time with his pickup truck. Zirkle then fled on foot away from the residence.

Detective Frawley’s investigation also revealed that while Zirkle was hiding, he placed a bogus 911 call to the Tipton County Communications Center. He reported an alleged abduction by someone driving a red pickup truck in the area of U.S. 31 and State Road 26. A check of the area by the Howard County Sheriff’s Department revealed nothing out of the ordinary.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Detective Tony Frawley at 1-800-382-0689.

When Detective Frawley concludes his investigation he will forward all pertinent information to the Tipton County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor will determine what criminal charges Zirkle will face in Tipton County.

Detective Frawley was also assisted in his investigation by Sergeant Tim Miller, Sergeant Rick Brown, Master Trooper Paul Daugherty, Senior Trooper Joe Swisher, Trooper Aaron Schaal, troopers assigned to the ISP Pendleton Post, ISP Aviation Section, officers from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Atlanta Police Department, and Sheridan Police Department.

Source: Indiana State Police

Citizen Tip Leads Police to Over 200 Marijuana Plants

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:45:40 -0700

TIPTON, IN - Last night, a week long drug investigation by Indiana State Trooper T.J. Zeiser and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Brumley resulted in the arrest of James G. Ludlow, 53, Tipton, IN on class D felony charges of cultivating marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance. He also faces class A misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana under 30 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested was Michael A. Little, 49, Kokomo, IN on a class D felony charge for possession of a scheduled II narcotic. Both men were incarcerated in the Tipton County Jail. Ludlow has a surety bond of $20,000. Little has a surety bond of $7,500.

Indiana State Police in conjunction with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Department started a drug investigation after receiving an anonymous tip indicating marijuana plants were growing in a wooded area near 7662 West County Road 200 North, Tipton, IN.

Officers conducted surveillance and were able to determine there were over 200 marijuana plants that were allegedly being tended to by Ludlow. The property where the plants were growing is owned by his mother. The plants were seized. As part of their investigation, officers went to Ludlow’s home at 2288 North County Road 800 West, Tipton, IN, where they were given permission to search the residence.

Officers purportedly found three marijuana plants, processed marijuana, numerous marijuana seeds, and drug paraphernalia. During their search, officers also allegedly found Little in possession of a scheduled II narcotic. Both men were taken into custody.

T.J Zeiser was assisted in his investigation by Trooper Mike Tomson, Indiana National Guard Counter Drug Section, and Tipton County Emergency Management Agency.

Anyone who has information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the Indiana State Police Marijuana Tip Line at 1-888-873-1694.

Source: Indiana State Police

Two Dead, Two Injured in Four Vehicle Crash on I-65 in Johnson County

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:46:24 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana State Police responded to a four vehicle crash shortly after six this morning. The crash occurred on I-65 in the northbound lanes just north of the Whiteland exit. The crash kept the northbound lanes closed until 1:00 pm and had the southbound lanes restricted for about four hours.

Preliminary investigation shows a south bound semi, pulling double trailers, struck a large wheel and tire which were in the south bound lanes of I-65. This caused the driver to lose control and travel through the median and into the north bound lanes. Three vehicles which were north bound then struck the second trailer of the south bound semi. The semi was being operated by FedEx.

The first vehicle to strike the trailer was a 2003 Mercury SUV being driven by Vania Shields, a 33 year old paramedic from Franklin, who was employed by the Washington Township Fire Department. She was enroute to work when the crash occurred. The second vehicle, a 1998 Honda Civic, was being operated by Charles Gould III, from Whiteland. Mr. Gould was enroute to work at the Marion county Crime Lab. Both Shields and Gould were killed instantly according to Johnson County Coroner David Lutz. The third vehicle to strike the trailer was a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up being driven by 20 year old Robert Grant of Whiteland. Grant and a passenger, Jayme Mount, age 27 of Franklin, were transported to Methodist Hospital with unknown injuries. The driver of the semi, 40 year old Michael Sumner of Seymour, was uninjured.

The State Police are continuing their investigation at this time as to where the wheel and tire that were in the south bound lanes came from. If anyone has information or witnessed any of the events leading to this crash please call the Indiana State Police at 800-582-8440.

State Police were assisted at the scene by the Johnson County Coroner, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, Whiteland Fire Department, and Indiana Department of Transportation.

Three People Arrested at Active Meth Lab

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:46:38 -0700

WHITE COUNTY, IN - Three people were arrested at an active meth lab on CR 900 east just north of CR 800 north in White County. White County Sheriff's Deputies with assistance from Pulaski County Sheriff's Department were working on a tip of a suspect wanted on a warrant at 8282 north CR 900 east in White County.

At approximately 1:14 AM the deputies approached the front door of the trailer and could smell the odor of anhydrous ammonia coming from the residence. The deputies could also here the cries of a small child coming from inside the home. The deputies knocked on the door and a subject answered. They could smell a very strong odor of anhydrous ammonia coming from inside the residence. The deputies evacuated the residence, took custody of the 14 month old child, detained the adults, and went to get a search warrant for the house. The child was taken to White County Memorial Hospital by White County Chapter of Children and Family Services to be examined by a doctor.

The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Team was called into assist in dismantling the lab. Trooper Jerry Holeman, with assistance from Trooper Nate King and Trooper Bob Burgess dismantled the lab to make the area safe. White County Sheriff's Deputies arrested two subjects at the residence and a third suspect was arrested in a car that was driving back and forth in front of the residence. The three suspects and their charges are;

1. David J. Baker 35 years old from Logansport, IN. Charged with Dealing in Meth, a Class B Felony, Neglect of a Dependent, a Class C Felony.

2. Scott A. Maddock 40 years old from Monticello, IN Charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance a Class D Felony, Dealing in Meth, a Class B Felony.

3. Mickenzie M. Lindstrom, 20 years old from Star City, IN. Charges stemming from a warrant out of Cass County for Forgery, a Class C Felony and Theft, a Class D Felony.

All three suspects were booked into White County Jail. The investigation is continuing.

Departments assisted by the Indiana State police Suppression Team were White County Sheriff's Department, Pulaski County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Children and Family Services of White County.

Source: Indiana State Police

Mustangs are Out: Reckless Motorists Beware

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:45:44 -0700

SOUTH BEND, IN - On Saturday, September 27, the Indiana State Police is expecting increased motor vehicle traffic in northern Indiana due to fans attending the Notre Dame versus Purdue football game in South Bend. To make sure all motorists arrive at their destination safely the Indiana State Police will deploy all 18 of its high performance patrol vehicles to northern Indiana.

The high performance vehicles are Ford Mustangs of various colors. They are equipped with emergency lighting, multi-directional radar, and electronic ticketing system. The Mustangs will be used to augment road troopers in northern Indiana who will be patrolling state roads and the interstate systems utilizing marked and unmarked police cars, as well as motorcycles. Officers will be looking for motorists who are speeding, following too closely, making unsafe lane changes, or otherwise driving aggressively. Troopers will aggressively seek and arrest anyone who is operating a vehicle while impaired.

“It is not about writing tickets,” stated Master Trooper Ron Whitney, who operates the high performance vehicle out of the Indiana State Police Peru Post. “It’s about saving lives. We want voluntary compliance of Indiana’s traffic laws which are in place for everyone’s safety, but we will issue citations to those who choose to break those laws.”

Indiana State Police encourage all motorists to observe the following driving tips:

Make sure you’re well rested before traveling.
Make sure all occupants in every seating position are properly restrained with a seat belt or child safety seat.
Don’t tailgate. Remember the two-second rule when following other vehicles.
Obey all traffic signals and speed limits, particularly in construction zones.
Don’t drink and drive, have a designated driver.
When you see an emergency vehicle on the roadside with emergency lights activated, MOVE OVER or SLOW DOWN.

Citizens are encouraged to report impaired or aggressive drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired or aggressive driver.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police Offer Farm Harvest Safety Tips

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:45:31 -0700

PENDLETON, IN - The Indiana State Police want to caution drivers that farmers will be harvesting their crops for the next several weeks. During this time there will be large farm equipment traveling on the roads that may impede traffic.

Drivers are reminded to be ever cautious when approaching a hillcrest or curve. Farm implements need additional roadway space so drivers should be prepared to slow down. Darkness also creates a hazardous situation for motorists when approaching slow moving farm equipment.

Tips for farmers:

Have all lighting and placards on your equipment as required by law.
When parking equipment along the road while in the field make certain equipment is visible at night.
When three or more vehicles are behind you safely pull to the side of the road letting same direction travel pass your equipment.
Avoid traveling on state and U.S. highways.
Do not leave anhydrous tanks unlocked or unattended.

Tips for motorists:

Be patient when behind farm equipment. They have the right to operate on the roads same as you do.
When approaching farm equipment from the opposite direction pull to the right and let them pass, particularly on narrow roads.

The Indiana State Police want this harvest season to be a safe one for the farmers and motorists sharing Indiana roadways. Please be patient and courteous when driving.

Be Alert-Stay Alive

Source: Indiana State Police

Huckelby Voluntarily Surrenders to the Indiana State Police

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:45:30 -0700

PERU, IN - September 19, at approximately 9:50 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and Miami County Sheriff’s Department responded to a home at 2625 West 1050 South, Bunker Hill, IN, on a report of a male being shot. Upon arrival, officers found Robert Ray Vandergriff Jr., 18, Kokomo, IN, who had sustained a single gunshot wound to his chest. He was transported to Dukes Memorial Hospital where he died from his injury. Daniel Huckelby, 25, a resident of the home who was allegedly present during the shooting, fled the home prior to officers arriving.

Yesterday evening, Huckelby voluntarily surrendered to officers at the Indiana State Police Peru Post. He was questioned by Indiana State Police detectives about the shooting which occurred on September 19.

Huckelby was then taken into custody by deputies from the Miami County Sheriff’s Department. He was arrested on two active misdemeanor arrest warrants unrelated to the shooting. One warrant was issued from the Miami Circuit Court for a probation violation, and the second was for check deception and conversion, issued from Cass Superior Court II. He is being held in the Miami County Jail with no bond.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Indiana State Police Detective Mike Tarrh at 1-800-382-0689. Citizens can also contact their local law enforcement agency who will forward information to the Indiana State Police.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police at Peru Post Arrested 33 Drunk Drivers in August

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:45:54 -0700

PERU, IN - Indiana State Police at the Peru Post released statistics today for the month of August. Troopers issued 2,117 traffic citations and wrote 1,778 traffic warnings. Troopers also arrested 33 drunk drivers and made 62 criminal arrests.

Traffic Citations Issued (tickets) …………………………………..... 2,117
Traffic Warnings Issued…………………………………………….... 1,178
Criminal Arrests ………………………………………………………. 62
Drunk Driving Arrests………………………………………………… 33
Commercial Motor Vehicle Moving Citations………………………… 48
Vehicle Crashes Investigated………………………………………….. .27

Troopers assigned to the Indiana State Police Peru Post assisted with security in an effort to keep citizens safe while they attended the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Troopers also participated in many parades and festivals conducted throughout the Indiana State Police Peru District which covers Wabash, Miami, Fulton, Cass, Tipton and Howard counties.

Lieutenant Matt Bilkey, district commander of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, would like to remind Hoosiers that crop harvesting season is upon us. This brings increased traffic from farm machinery on rural roads. Motorists are reminded to be on the look out for equipment entering and exiting farm fields.

"Combines tend to make wide turns with the driver having limited visibility," Bilkey said. "Motorists should be especially cautious when trying to pass slow moving machinery."

Marijuana growers are also trying to harvest their illegal product from farm fields. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling their local law enforcement or the Indiana State Police at 1-800-382-0689 or the Marijuana Tip Line at 1-888-873-1694.

Source: Indiana State Police

Emergency Response to Storm Damage Causes State Police to Lift some Commercial Restrictions

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:46:08 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Due to the severe flooding which has plagued the northwest sector of Indiana, and the extremely high winds which damaged many areas in southern Indiana, the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division has suspended the enforcement of some regulations.

Many out of state companies will be passing through Indiana or coming to Indiana to assist with the damage repair caused by the flooding and high winds. The Indiana State Police will assist in the rapid movement of these power company vehicles by suspending the credential and permit requirements of these companies. Any vehicles operating intrastate or interstate that are assisting with the repair of power and utilities will be exempted from these regulations for the duration of their work in Indiana pertaining to the storm damage.

Those power company vehicles passing through Indiana moving to other states to assist with storm damage repair will also be exempted from these regulations.

This suspension of enforcement of regulations will remain in effect until the emergency no longer exists. If there are any questions regarding this emergency suspension of regulations please, call the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division at 1-800-523-2226 or 1-317-615-7373.

Source: Indiana State Police

Three Men Arrested For Active Meth Lab in Northern Indiana

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:45:45 -0700

LAGRANGE COUNTY, IN - Two men from LaGrange and one man from Michigan were arrested late Monday night when Indiana State Police Trooper Brandon Davenport discovered them inside of a rural LaGrange garage with an active meth lab.

At approximately 10:30 pm, Trooper Davenport and LaGrange Police Officer Tony Clark went to the residence at 0890 N 00 EW to follow up on a tip. Upon arriving at the residence, odors commonly associated with the manufacturing of meth were detected coming from the garage. Contact was made with the three men inside of the garage and after receiving consent to search, Davenport and Clark discovered the meth lab. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Laboratory Team was contacted to render the scene safe and to collect and preserve evidence.

The men inside of the garage were identified as: Kevin Nelson, 53, of LaGrange; Michael Nelson, 50, of LaGrange; and Gabriel Stears, 32, of Colon, Michigan. All three were arrested and taken to the LaGrange County Jail for incarceration.

Agencies assisting: LaGrange County Sheriff Department and the LaGrange Police Department.

Arrested and charged:

Kevin Nelson, 53, 890 N 00 EW, LaGrange, IN
Michael Nelson, 50, 890 N 00 EW, LaGrange, IN
Gabriel Stears, 32, 33551 Mary Ann Drive, Colon, MI

Dealing in Controlled Substance, Class A Felony (One count each)

Possession of Methamphetamine, Class B Felony (One count each)

Possession of Precursors, Class D Felony (One count each)

Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class D Felony (One count each)

Source: Indiana State Police

Prison Nurse Arrested on Eight Felony Charges

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:45:53 -0700

BUNKER HILL, IN - Monday morning, September 15, 2008, a week long criminal investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Mike Tarrh resulted in the arrest of Belinda M. Slone, 43, Peru, IN. Detective Tarrh and Senior Trooper Joe Swisher served a Miami Superior Court arrest warrant to Slone at her home. She was incarcerated in the Miami County Jail to face four counts each of forgery and theft, both class D felonies. Slone has a surety bond of $44,000.

Detective Tarrh started his investigation after being contacted by an internal affairs officer for the Miami Correctional Facility. Prison officials had noticed alleged forged signatures on some of the prison’s Controlled Substance Perpetual Inventory Usage Records (IUR). Each inmate is assigned an IUR which is used to account for any medication dispensed by the prison’s medical staff to a particular inmate.

Slone served as a nurse for the prison. Detective Tarrh’s investigation revealed that Slone allegedly, on four separate occasions, forged the signature of another staff member on the IUR of different inmates. Slone indicated on the IUR that prescription pills were destroyed or dispensed to an inmate. The forged medication purportedly had not been dispensed as indicated. The investigation also revealed that Slone allegedly removed two Prozac pills from a prison medication stock cart for her personal use.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:06:35 -0700

ALLEN COUNTY, IN - The Fort Wayne District of the Indiana State Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint during the late evening hours in Allen County on Saturday, September 20, 2008. In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related automobile crashes, the sobriety checkpoint will target the impaired driver and will be utilized in an area identified as having a high number of alcohol related crashes.

Motorists are asked to have their driver’s license and vehicle registrations readily available when entering the checkpoint, so as to minimize the amount of time that they are delayed.

A FEW PRECAUTIONS:

Plan ahead and always designate someone as a designated driver.
Don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been consuming alcoholic beverages.
If you are impaired, please call a taxi or call a sober friend or family member to come and get you.
If you are hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure that all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think that they are about to drive while impaired.

Source: Indiana State Police

Early Morning Pursuit Ends in a Firey Crash

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:06:34 -0700

CANNELTON, IN - Sunday morning around 1:26 a.m. CDT Indiana State Police Trooper Mark Lehmkuhler attempted to stop the driver of a black pick-up truck for not displaying a license plate on the truck.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the black pick-up was traveling westbound on SR 66 near Cannelton when Trooper Lehmkuhler did not see a license plate on the vehicle. Upon trying to stop the vehicle the driver James J. Wheatley, 32, Hawesville, KY refused to stop. Wheatley led officers onto city streets and alleyways in Cannelton before loosing control of the pick-up in a ditch near SR 237. Upon exiting the ditch Wheatley drove directly at the officers and continued towards Tell City.

The pursuit continued into Tell City where again Wheatley drove onto city streets, through parking lots and residential areas. The pursuit continued out of Tell City on SR 66 and unto SR 70. At SR 70 and SR 245 Wheatley made a U-turn and traveled back east towards Tell City. At SR 70 and CR 850E in Spencer County, Wheatley crested a hill and lost control of the pick-up causing the pick-up to leave the north side of the road.

After leaving the road the pick-up hit a tree and caught fire. Before the pick-up became fully engulfed in flames, officers from the Indiana State Police, Perry County Sheriff's Department and Tell City Police Department were able to remove Wheatley from the pick-up. "If it were not for the quick actions of the officers on scene Mr. Wheatley probably would have died in the fire," said Lieutenant Don Bolen, commander of the Jasper Post.

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Wheatley was airlifted from the scene and taken to St. Mary's Medical Center in Evansville where he is listed in serious condition with head trauma. Wheatley will be arrested and charged with several crimes once he is released from the hospital. Some of the pending charges are Resisting Law Enforcement with a vehicle, Criminal Recklessness, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and several traffic violations.

Assisting Agencies: Perry and Spencer County Sheriff's Departments, Tell City, Dale, and Santa Claus Police Departments, New Boston Fire Department, Spencer and Perry County EMS, St. Mary's Air Ambulance, and Shur-way Wrecker Service.

Source: Indiana State Police

State Police Arrest Tennessee Man for Possessing Meth and Weapons

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:46:02 -0700

GIBSON COUNTY, IN - Sunday afternoon, September 7, Detective Loren Brooks was assisting the Posey County Sheriff's Department after Johnie Ray Butts, 43, of Gibson County, was found dead in a residence located at 12900 Campbell Road near Griffin early Saturday morning.

During the investigation at the scene, officers found a meth lab on the property. Officers also received information that Brian K. Ours, 42, of Harriman, TN, had been in the residence, but had fled the area before police arrived. Although the investigation is continuing, officers do not suspect foul play.

At approximately 5:40 Sunday afternoon, Detective Brooks located Ours in the Bozeman area, which is located along the Wabash River in southern Gibson County. After confronting Ours, Detective Brooks located a suitcase containing over three grams of methamphetamine, a .22 caliber rifle and a loaded shotgun in his 1995 GMC Suburban.

Brooks also located a small bag of marijuana in Ours' pants pocket. Ours was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on a $1,500 cash bond.

ARRESTED AND CHARGES:

Brian K. Ours, 42, Harriman, TN

1. Possession of Meth over 3 grams, Class A Felony

2. Possession of Meth with Firearms, Class C Felony

3. Possession of Marijuana under 30 grams, Class A Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Detective Loren Brooks, Indiana State Police

Source: Indiana State Police