On November 5, 2020, at 12:17 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Loren Barchett conducted a traffic stop on US 41 near County Road 900 South after observing an equipment violation on a 2011 Toyota Camry. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Barchett recognized a back seat passenger as 41 year old James R. Short of Fort Branch. Deputy Barchett had Mr. Short step out of the vehicle and placed him into custody for an outstanding warrant out of Gibson County for Criminal Confinement. During a pat down of Mr. Short Marijuana and other controlled substances were found in Mr. Short’s possession. While handcuffed and being placed in a deputy’s vehicle Mr. Short attempted to flee the area. Deputy Barchett, Deputy Bryce Jutzi, and Fort Branch Officer Jeff Beck pursued Mr. Short and placed him in a police vehicle. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Barchett transported Mr. Short to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Escape, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of a Legend Drug, Possession of Marijuana, Identity Deception, Resisting Law Enforcement Fleeing, and Resisting Law Enforcement Fighting. He remains in custody on a $3,750 bond and holds out of Vanderburgh and Warrick County for other outstanding warrants.


All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.