Eldorado Teen Killed In Gallatin County Crash

ISP INVESTIGATES FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 19

WHAT:                      Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   Illinois 13 near Duncan Lane, Shawneetown, Gallatin County

WHEN:                      May 26, 2022 at 9:17 p.m.

VEHICLES:              Unit 1 – Green 1998 Chevrolet S-10

                                    Unit 2 – Red 2006 Ford F-150

                                   

DRIVERS:                 Unit 1 – A 16-year-old male from Eldorado, IL - Deceased

                                    Unit 2 – Jarrod M. Farris, a 36-year-old male from Manitou, KY – Transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 

PASSENGERS:         Unit 1 – A 15-year-old male from Harrisburg, IL - Transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 1 – An 18-year-old female from Eldorado, IL – Airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries.

                                    Unit 2 – Brandon D. Winters, a 38-year-old male from Slaughters, KY – Refused medical attention.

                                   

PRELIMINARY:      Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling westbound on Illinois Route 13, just west of Duncan Lane, near Shawneetown, IL. Unit 2 was traveling eastbound on Illinois Route 13 in the same area. For an unknown reason, Unit 1 crossed the center line and struck Unit 2 head-on. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased. One passenger of Unit 1 was transported to an arear hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and one passenger was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of Unit 2 refused medical attention. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit (TCRU) is continuing the investigation. No further information will be disseminated.

 

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Failing To Update Sex Offender Registry

On 5/27/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Michael W. Foster, age 51, of Mt. Carmel, for Failure to Update Sex Offender Registry, after failing to update his place of employment.  Foster was arrested in the 200 block of N Walnut Street without incident and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Foster is being held pending a bond setting by a judge.  Foster is currently on federal parole also.   

Extra Troopers will be Patrolling this Memorial Day Weekend

Indiana State Police and area law enforcement agencies are participating in the “Click it or Ticket” enforcement campaign through the Memorial Day weekend and would like to remind all motorists the importance of doing their part to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Troopers will be watching for unrestrained passengers in cars and trucks and for dangerous and impaired drivers. Overtime enforcement is made available with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Troopers are offering the following safety tips:

  • Ensure you are well rested before driving. A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver.

  • Follow other vehicles at a safe distance.

  • Always utilize your turn signals when changing lanes and when turning.

  • Avoid “hanging out” in the left lane unless you are actively passing or preparing to make a nearby left turn.

  • Avoid driving while distracted.

  • Ensure everyone is properly buckled up.

  • Don’t drink and drive.

Motorists that observe a possible impaired driver are encouraged to contact 911 immediately. Please be prepared to give a description of the vehicle, license plate number and route of travel.

5 Injured In Clay County Crash

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

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

WHAT:                      Two Vehicle Personal Injury Traffic Crash

WHERE:                   US 45 at Steele Avenue, Louisville, Clay County

WHEN:                      May 24, 2022 at approximately 12:05 p.m.

VEHICLES:              Unit 1- 2013 Black Hyundai Sonata

                                    Unit 2- 2017 Gray Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

DRIVERS:                 Unit 1- Tiberius Brooks, 29-year-old male from Daleville, AL – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 2- 25-year-old female from Montrose, IL – Transported by family to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 

PASSENGERS:         Unit 1- 27-year-old female from Enterprise, AL – Flown to a regional hospital with life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 2- 38-year-old female from Louisville, IL – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

                                    Unit 2- 41-year-old female from Noble, IL – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

PRELIMINARY:      A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling north, behind Unit 2, on US 45 near Steel Avenue in Louisville, Clay County. The driver of Unit 1 failed to observe traffic slowing down for a school zone and struck the rear of Unit 2. Unit 1 continued traveling north on US 45 until the vehicle could no longer function.

CHARGES:               The driver of Unit 1 was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, Driving Under the Influence, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Improper Lane Usage, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Illegal Transportation of Cannabis and Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Traffic Crash.

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

Former Vincennes Police Chief Dustin Luking and Wife Arrested

Knox County – Earlier today, former Vincennes Police Chief Dustin Luking, 48, was arrested on several criminal charges stemming from a criminal investigation after money was discovered missing from the Vincennes Police Department. The criminal investigation was initiated in July 2019. Luking resigned from the Vincennes Police Department in October 2019.

During the investigation involving Dustin Luking, Indiana State Police Detective Sergeant Greg Ashby revealed over $35,000 had been taken from the evidence vault and Luking allegedly used the funds for personal use. An Indiana State Board of Accounts audit revealed several additional discrepancies involving Luking. The audit revealed over $14,000 was used by Luking for personal use between 2013-2016. After the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued this morning for Luking.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Dustin J. Luking, 48, 1606 16th Street, Lawrenceville, IL.

  1. Theft, Level 5 Felony

  2. Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony

  3. Forgery, Level 6 Felony

 

Investigation involving Bethany J. Shelton Luking

In August 2019, Indiana State Police investigated a theft of prescription medication at the Bettye J. McCormick Senior Center in Vincennes where Bethany J. Shelton Luking, 49, was employed. The investigation was reviewed by the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued earlier today for her arrest. Luking was charged with Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit, Level 6 Felony.

Dustin Luking and his wife, Bethany, were arrested this morning without incident. Dustin Luking was arrested at Toyota Boshoku in Lawrenceville, IL, by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. Bethany Luking was arrested at their residence in Lawrenceville, IL, by the Lawrenceville Police Department. They are both currently being held in the Lawrence County Jail and awaiting extradition.

IDPH Officials Warn about Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jif Peanut Butter

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is working with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Senftenberg. Epidemiologic and laboratory data show that some Jif brand peanut butters may be contaminated with Salmonella and are making people sick.

According to the CDC, fourteen people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Senftenberg have been reported from twelve states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 17, 2022 through May 1, 2022. Illinois has one case included in this outbreak investigation from Central Illinois.

On May 20, 2022, J.M. Smucker Company recalled multiple types of Jif brand peanut butter. The company advised consumers to check the list of recalled products to see if they possess any of the recalled products. They should check the lot code number on the container to see if it is between 1274425 through 2140425, with “425” at the end of the first 7 numbers. The lot code number is located next to the best buy date. Consumers who have products matching the above description in their possession are advised to dispose of them immediately. They should not eat, sell, or serve recalled Jif peanut butter to humans or animals, including dogs and birds. Wash surfaces and containers that may have touched the recalled peanut butter using hot, soapy water.

Symptoms of illness caused by Salmonella may include headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, chills, fever, nausea, and dehydration. If these symptoms are experienced 12 to 72 hours after eating Jif brand peanut butters, people should contact a health care provider and let them know they have recently eaten Jif peanut butter.

IDPH is working with local health departments to identify additional cases and perform lab testing. Investigators are working to determine if additional products are contaminated. For the most up to date recall list, go to the FDA website to see a list of recalled products.

For more information and examples of where to find the lot code, go to: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonellapeanut-butter-may-2022.

Family Fight Ends With Two Women Arrested


On 5/23/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brittany M. Watkins, age 25, of Mt. Carmel, for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Serina D. Windle, age 48, of Mt. Carmel, for Domestic Battery, following a family dispute located at a residence in the 500 block of Hydraulic Ave. Upon arrival, officers found evidence that Windle and her daughter-in-law Watkins had a verbal argument that led to Windle slapping Watkins. Watkins responded, attacking Windle by punching her in the head, followed by Watkins allegedly using an e-cigarette, minus the vape cartridge, to further strike Windle’s head. Windle later required medical attention due to a laceration on her head that required stiches. Watkins admitted to punching and kicking Windle but did not believe she used the e-cigarette device. Watkins was placed under arrest, transported to the Wabash County Jail, and held pending a bond setting by a judge. Windle was charged and released with a court date since she was receiving medical treatment the time.

Battery Charge Faces Mt. Carmel Woman Following Walnut Street Incident


On 5/22/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jade L. McClane, age 35, for Battery following an incident at a residence in the 200 block of North Walnut Street. While on scene, officers found evidence and witness statements to indicate McClane had battered a male subject by striking him in the head. McClane was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was held pending the posting of bond.

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Boyfriend

On 5/22/22, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brittany C. Clark, age 23, of Mt. Carmel, for Domestic Battery following a dispute with her boyfriend at their residence in the 500 block of N Division Street. While on scene, officers found evidence to indicate Clark committed the battery by striking him in the face and arms. Clark was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged and held pending a bond setting by a judge.