On May 7, 2023, at 2:15 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle in a ditch on Interstate 69 near the 24 Mile Marker. Upon arriving on scene Deputy Barchett located a White 2018 Toyota Camry and the driver 25-year-old Emily Mahan of Evansville. While investigating the accident Deputy Barchett noticed clues that may indicate driving impairment. At that point Deputy Barchett began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Barchett placed Ms. Mahan into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. She has since posted a $650 bond.
Assisting Deputy Barchett in his investigation was Deputy Garrett Tuley
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Deputy arrests Fort Branch man for traveling 105 mph on Interstate 69
On May 6, 2023, at 4:55 p.m. while on routine patrol of Interstate 69 Gibson County Deputy Logan Lashbrook observed a Silver 2012 Chrysler 200 traveling Northbound at a speed of 105 mph. At that point Deputy Lashbrook turned on the vehicle and attempted to catch up. While catching up to the vehicle Deputy Lashbrook observed the vehicle take the State Road 64 exit and briefly lose control. However the vehicle regained traction and continued to travel Northbound on the I69 exit ramp before coming to a stop. At that point Deputy Lashbrook placed 20 year old Gabriel Krutz of Fort Branch into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle and Reckless Driving. He has since posted a $550 bond.
Assisting Deputy Lashbrook in his investigation was Special Deputy Diego Ortega, Deputy Bart Wagner, Oakland City Sergeant John Pace, Trooper Blake Marsee, and Conservation Officer Matt Clark.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dardeen Pleads Not Guilty To New Drug Charges
Convicted drug dealer John Dardeen has entered a not guilty to additional drug charges. The 61 year old Mt. Carmel man was convicted February 7th by a Wabash County Jury on a Class 2 felony charge of meth delivery of more than 5 grams.
During the trial, Dardeen testified in his own defense denying his sold meth, but instead sold cannabis. That triggered a search warrant by local authorities at Dardeen’s residence in the 300 block of Walnut Street. Police Chief Mike McWilliams said the search resulted in several items being located that are associated with the manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine, a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition, and many other cannabis related items.
State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman then filed two Class X felonies against Dardeen. The first, possession of meth with intent to deliver, carries a possible prison sentence of 10 to 50 years plus a possible $300,000 fine. The second Class X felony was for aggravated participation in methamphetamine manufacturing which carries a possible 12 to 50 years in prison and another potential $300,000 fine.
During a preliminary hearing yesterday in Wabash County Circuit Court, probable cause was found in the new charges at which Dardeen entered the not guilty plea. He is due back in court on those charges on June 13th.
A sentencing hearing for Dardeen’s original conviction was set for July 17th. He faces up to 7 years in prison in that case.
Dardeen has been held in the Wabash County Jail since his February conviction.
WSJD File Photo: John Dardeen is led to the Wabash County Jail in February after being found guilty of drug charges.
Trooper Shot, Suspect Dead In I-64 Gun Battle
UNIT: ISP Troop 10
LOCATION: Interstate 64 eastbound milepost 72, near Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County
DATE and TIME: May 9, 2023 at approximately 3:00 a.m.
BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Preliminary information indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 10 units responded to a motorist assist at the above location and time. During the incident, an altercation occurred and the male suspect displayed a firearm. Gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and Troopers. A 16-year veteran of the ISP received non-life-threatening injuries as a result of gunfire during the incident and is being treated at a regional hospital. The suspect is deceased. Initially all lanes of I64 eastbound were closed, but were reopened at approximately 6:25 a.m. ISP Division of Internal Investigation is leading an active and on-going investigation and no further information is available.
River Camp Incident Results In Arrest Of Owensville Man
On 5/06/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Mark A. Simpson, age 46, originally of Owensville, Indiana, for Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of Firearm without FOID, and Possession of Methamphetamine following an incident at a river camp in the 700 block of Hydraulic Ave (aka River Road). The arrest stemmed from an officer patrolling the area when he heard the sound of what he believed to be a shotgun coming from the area involved. As he approached the area, the officer was stopped by a male subject stating Simpson had just fired a shotgun next to his head during an argument. An additional MCPD officer and a Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived resulting in Simpson’s arrest. During the investigation, police found a shell casing on his porch and multiple firearms to include shotguns, a handgun, and an AR-15 style rifle inside his camper. Furthermore, officers observed suspected methamphetamine in the same room as the long guns. After speaking to the involved parties, police learned that Simpson became upset when an unarmed male subject came to his camper to speak to his significant other who happened to be visiting Simpson at the time. The information alleged that Simpson became upset and pointed the shotgun towards the victim before firing it. Simpson has resided at this camper for at least the last year but failed to obtain a FOID card or transfer his information to Illinois. Simpson was transported to the Wabash County Jail and is being held pending a bond setting by a judge.
Threats Lead To Mt. Carmel Man's Arrest
On 5/03/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Vincent A. Sutton, age 57, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Warrant for Aggravated Assault following a traffic stop at 5th & Division Street. The arresting officer knew Sutton to have a warrant and stopped his blue Dodge truck in this area. The warrant stemmed from Sutton making verbal threats to an officer on another recent incident regarding child truancy. Sutton was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending the posting of a $1000 cash bond.
Violating Order Of Protection Sends Mt. Carmel Man To Jail
On 5/07/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brian L. Greentree, age 46, of Mt. Carmel, for Violation of an Order of Protection. The arresting officer discovered Greentree had an active order of protection against him; however, he had the protected individual inside his vehicle. The officers responded to Greentree’s location in the 1100 block of N Market Street where he was taken into custody. Greentree was transported to the Wabash County Jail pending a bond setting by a judge.
Allendale Man Arrested Following Incident Outside Lucky Lady
On 5/08/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Chase D. Linson, age 26, of Allendale, for Aggravated Battery following an incident outside of the Lucky Lady in the 300 block of W 9th Street. Police were called there to investigate a complaint that Linson had shoved another male subject while out front of the business. During the investigation, police found evidence to indicate the altercation stemmed from allegations about stolen bicycles. The complainant wished to sign a complaint against Linson and was allowed to do so. Linson was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with Aggravated Battery due to the incident happening in a public place. Linson is currently out on bond for Methamphetamine Delivery and Felony Theft. Linson is being held pending a bond setting by a judge.
Ramp closure planned for I-69 in Gibson County
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a ramp closure for I-69 in Gibson County.
Beginning on or around Monday, May 15, crews will close the northbound I-69 off-ramp to State Road 64. This closure will allow crews to perform asphalt milling and paving work on the ramp. The closure is expected to take a week to complete, depending on the weather.
The official detour for this closure is I-69 to State Road 56 to I-69.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Allendale Students Of The Month
Allendale School is proud to announce the Students of the Month for April:
front - Kayden Wall (Kindergarten), Zeke Medler (1st Grade), Truleigh Cheesman (2nd Grade), Bennett Morris (3rd Grade)
back - Lola Bray (4th Grade), Emma Ford (Junior High), Preston Perry (Junior High)