Vincennes Man Arrested By MCPD After Traffic Stop

06/12/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 31 year old Charles C. Scearcy of Vincennes after the vehicle he was operating was stopped by MCPD.  Officers were assisting the Wabash County Sheriff's Office in locating a suspicious vehicle.  MCPD officers located the vehicle as it came into town and initiated a vehicle stop.  Scearcy was found to be driving on a suspended driver's license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.  Scearcy was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was held pending the posting of bond for driving while suspended.

911 call leads to arrest of Princeton man on multiple violent charges

On June 11, 2018, at 5:13 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a battery that had occurred at the Caniff Trailer Park located near Princeton, Indiana. Sergeant John Fischer with the assistance of officers from the Princeton Police Department, Oakland City Police Department, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the incident. During the investigation Sergeant Fischer spoke with witnesses and gathered evidence. While conducting his investigation Sergeant Fischer was involved in a short vehicle pursuit of the suspect 32 year old Brandon Winn of Princeton before ultimately taking Mr. Winn into custody. At the conclusion of his investigation Sergeant Fischer transported Mr. Winn to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with two counts of Strangulation, Two counts of Domestic Battery in the presence of a child, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Resisting Law Enforcement with a vehicle, Invasion of Privacy, and Battery resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Mr. Winn remains in custody on a $1250 bond.

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

Bid For Mt. Carmel Chip & Seal Program Approved

The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved the bid of Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group for the city’s summer chip and seal program. City Engineer Dave Dallas reported the $85,169 bid was 4% under the engineer’s estimate of $89,225. After the council’s approval, Dallas said street department superintendent Dave Easter will coordinate with Mt.Carmel Stabilization as to when the work will be done.

City Council To Change Wording Of Cable Franchise Contract

The Mt. Carmel City Council has heard the first reading of an ordinance that changes the wording of a portion of the cable television contract with New Wave Communications. Presently, the city collects what is called a cable franchise fee. City Clerk Rudy Witsman explains the change..

Witsman said the city won’t be losing any money with the name change to a service provider fee. Commissioners are expected to formally approve the change at their meeting in one week.

Rodriguez Issues Reminder About Holiday Trash Pickup

Mt. Carmel garbage commissioner Rod Rodriguez is looking to cut down on the number of calls from residents asking city hall workers about their trash pickup during a holiday week. Rodriguez said garbage pickup could be delayed up to two days during a holiday week. He urged residents’ understanding and patience when pickup is delayed because of a holiday.

Work Zone Wreck In Fayette County Sends One To Hospital

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT: Personal Injury Crash

WHERE: Rt 185 ¼ mile east of 2300 E, Fayette County (2 miles east of St. Peter)

WHEN: 06/11/18 @ 12:27 PM

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – 2007 silver Chrysler Town and Country

Unit # 2 – 1998 white/red International Truck tractor

DRIVERS: Unit #1 – Ruth Smith, 65 Year Old of Altamont IL

Unit # 2 – Gary Oberlink, 73 Year Old of Brownstown IL

PASSENGERS: N/A

CHARGES: Unit 1 Driver was cited for “Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.”

Transports: Unit 1 driver refused an ambulance and was transported in a personal vehicle to St Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham for treatment.

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate Unit 1 was traveling Rt 185 west bound directly behind Unit 2. Unit 2 approached a maintenance road crew ¼ mile east of 2300 E, and a flagman had west bound traffic stopped. Unit 2 came to a complete stop, and Unit 1 Failed to reduce speed and rear ended Unit 2. Upon impact Unit 1 came to a rest in the roadway.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Fairfield Teen Injured In One Vehicle Wreck

ISP DISTRICT 19 TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 19:

WHAT: Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE: Wayne County Highway 18 – 3/10 Mile West of County Road 875E

WHEN: 06/11/18 – 5:25 PM

VEHICLES: Red, 2003, Dodge Durango

DRIVERS: Amber L. Lyon, Age 18, Fairfield, IL

PASSENGERS: None

CAUSE: Failure to Reduce Speed

TRANSPORTS: Lyon was Transported to an Area Hospital.

ROAD CONDITIONS: Open

PRELIMINARY: According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, Lyon, driving the red Dodge Durango, was traveling east on Wayne County Highway 18, approximately 3/10 mile west of Wayne County Road 875E, when the vehicle exited the roadway to the south and struck a ditch embankment before overturning. Lyon was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of injuries she sustained in the crash. Lyon was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash. ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the North Wayne Ambulance Service and Bedford Fire Protection District.

CHARGES: Lyon was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Motorcyclist On I-57 Killed After Being Hit By Semi

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT: Fatal Crash

WHERE: I-57 N/B @ Milepost 175 in Cumberland County. Approximately 5 miles south of Neoga

WHEN: 01:54 AM 06/12/2018

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – 2014 Peter built Semi Truck Tractor

Unit #2 – 2008 Harley Davidson Motorcycle

DRIVER: Unit #1 – James T. McMorris 41, of Zachary, LA.

Unit #2 – George P. Varvitsiotes 56, of Newnan, GA.

PASSENGERS: N/A

CHARGES: Pending

TRANSPORTS: N/A

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate Unit 1 was northbound on I-57 at milepost 175 traveling directly behind Unit 2 in the right lane of traffic. At that location, Unit 1 struck the rear end of Unit 2 causing both units to leave the roadway. The driver of Unit 2 was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cumberland County Coroner. Further investigation is being completed by the Illinois State Police crash reconstruction unit and Illinois State Police commercial vehicle enforcement section.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

City Warns Sewer Smell Could Last Months

Mt. Carmel City Clerk Rudy Witsman issued the following statement this morning: "As has been previously reported, one of the buildings at the sewer plant has developed a possible structural problem requiring our investigation.  That investigation requires the removal of sludge from the building which in turn creates an offensive odor in the area of the sewer plant.  While the smell is bad it is not harmful.  The Illinois EPA is aware of the situation and the corrective measures the City is taking.

It is likely that the repair or possible replacement will take several weeks or possibly months.  The City will pursue a safe and effective solution to the problem and do it as quickly as possible."

Trooper with AED Revives Fallen Pedestrian

Vigo County—Last night at approximately 8:06, Indiana State Police Trooper Rondell Shelton was on routine patrol in the area of US 41 and 7th Street Terre Haute, when he was flagged down by a passerby. The witness advised there was a “man down” on the shoulder of southbound US 41just south of 7th Street, which was south of Trooper Shelton’s location. 

Trooper Shelton arrived within seconds, noticed other bystanders performing CPR on the unconscious male, and immediately exited his patrol car with his department issued AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in hand. Trooper Shelton quickly assessed the victim and applied the AED. After the initial shock from the device, the victim’s pulse and breathing were restored. Honey Creek Fire/Rescue and Trans Care EMS arrived moments later and continued on scene treatment.  

The 41-year-old male, address unknown, was ultimately transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment and is reportedly doing well. The victim was apparently on his way to a nearby business when he collapsed. 

Bolt for the Heart is a non-profit organization serving Indiana. BFTH has already donated well over 200 AEDs to the Indiana State Police with a commitment to donate another 250 until every ISP road patrol vehicle is equipped with an AED. If you wish to know more about “Bolt for the Heart” or donate to this life-saving endeavor, please visit their website at https://boltfortheheart.com/ 

Trooper Rondell Shelton is a three-year-veteran of the Indiana State Police and is assigned to the Putnamville District. Shelton received his AED this spring as part of the Bolt for the Heart partnership with the Indiana State Police.