On March 11, 2020, at 1:45 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a battery that had just occurred at Holiday Foods located in Haubstadt, Indiana. The reporting party advised that the two men who were fighting left in a dark colored SUV and were headed eastbound on State Road 68. Deputy U.B. Smith located a vehicle matching the description given by the caller and initiated a traffic stop on State Road 68 near State Road 57. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith observed visible wounds on both the driver 61 year old Neal Vaughan and the passenger Joseph White, both of Elberfeld. Both individuals appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and at that point Deputy U.B. Smith and Deputy Garrett Tuley began a roadside investigation. During the investigation Mr. White became belligerent and was transported to Gibson General Hospital for medical treatment. It was while at the hospital Mr. White spit on Deputy Tuley. At that point Deputy Tuley placed Mr. White into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail.
Deputy Garrett Tuley charged Mr. White with Battery by Body Waste, Battery (on Mr. Vaughan, Disorderly Conduct, and Intimidation. Mr. White has since posted a $750 bond.
Deputy U.B. Smith also transported Neal Vaughan to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury. He also has posted a $750 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
