On July 4, 2024, at 2:54 a.m. Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a 1997 Chevy Pickup on Broadway near Richland Creek Drive. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith identified the driver as 23 year old Ezra Lantaff of Oakland City. While speaking to Mr. Lantaff Deputy Smith detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver and began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation he transported Mr. Lantaff to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Resisting Law Enforcement. He remains in custody on a $750 bond.
Assisting Deputy Smith in his investigation was Sergeant Loren Barchett. Also assisting was Princeton Sergeant Ben Kiesel and Officer David Jones.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Fort Branch man on DUI charge
On July 4, 2024, at 2:19 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Red Chevy Cobalt for failing to signal multiple turns near Fort Branch. Deputy Hunt conducted a traffic stop at Liberty Credit Union located at 811 E. Mulberry Street in Fort Branch and identified the driver as 29 year old Jon Roeder of Fort Branch. While speaking with Mr. Roeder Deputy Hunt observed open alcohol containers inside the vehicle. At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Mr. Roeder was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Driving While Suspended with a Prior Conviction. He remains in custody on a $650 bond.
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Sergeant Loren Barchett and Deputy U.B. Smith.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mobile Home Taxes Due Soon
Wabash County treasurer Angela Broster has issued a reminder that mobile home taxes are due by July 14th. She said her office continues to collect taxes daily in her office.
Oak Meadow Update Offered By City Clerk
At last week’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting, city clerk Ryan Turner offered an update on the Oak Meadow subdivision where dozens of trees were recently cut down causing an outcry from many residents there…
The council on Monday did authorize spending $5,000 to help pay for work done on the north side of the Faulkner Automotive dealership property…
Money from the TIF fund will be used to pay for the work.
Indiana State Police Investigates Shooting that Claims the Life of a Tell City Police Officer
Perry County – On 7-02-2023, Tell City Sergeant Heather Glenn investigated a domestic dispute between Sean Hubert, 34, of Tell City, and a female victim. The female victim was able to make it to Perry County Memorial Hospital to be treated for her injuries. Sergeant Glenn spoke with the female victim at the hospital. Sergeant Glenn and other officers left the hospital to search for Hubert.
On 7-03-2023, the female victim advised hospital staff that Hubert was on his way to the hospital. Officers with the Tell City Police Department, Perry County Sheriff's Office, and Cannelton Police Department responded to the hospital. Sergeant Glenn made contact and attempted to arrest Hubert. Hubert refused to comply with Sergeant Glenn. Sergeant Glenn attempted to deploy an electronic-controlled weapon but it was ineffective. During a brief struggle, Hubert produced a firearm and Sergeant Glenn was shot. Officers with the Tell City Police Department and Cannelton Police Department returned fire and shot Hubert. Sergeant Glenn and Hubert were both treated at the scene and died from their injuries.
Sergeant Glenn worked for the Perry County Sheriff's Office and Tell City Police Department for nearly 20 years. Sergeant Glenn was a well-respected officer and pillar in her community. Tell City Police Chief Derrick Lawalin advised Sergeant Glenn was a good friend to everyone and will be sadly missed, but not forgotten.
This investigation is still ongoing, and an autopsy has been scheduled.
No more information will be released at this time.
MCPU Update
July 1st outage update.
MCPU crews have been working through the night and have had success in restoring power to a large number of customers. Regrettably, we still have a massive undertaking ahead of us and many of our customers should prepare for possibly 2 days before power is restored. We are taking every precaution to provide safety for our crews and customers and we ask that you treat any downed power line as energized and potentially dangerous. Thank you for your patience.
City Releases Chip & Seal Streets & Alleys
This is the scheduled chip seal route. The chip seal will begin July 11 through July 14. Then the following Tuesday crews will start the fog seal.
ISP INVESTIGATION LEADS TO THREE ARRESTS FOR CONCEALMENT OF HOMICIDAL DEATH IN CRAWFORD COUNTY
ROBINSON – The Illinois State Police arrested 24-year-old Lance T. Newcomb from Robinson, IL, for one count of Concealment of Homicidal Death (Class 3 Felony); 58-year-old Angela S. Newcomb from Robinson, IL, for one count of Concealment of Homicidal Death (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Obstructing Justice (Class 4 Felony); and 52-year-old Hiley A. Schulte of Robinson, IL for one count of Concealment of Homicidal Death (Class 3 Felony).
On June 22, 2023, the Illinois State Police (ISP), Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8 was requested by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department to investigate a missing person, 55-year-old Ryan L. Waggoner from Lerna, IL.
On June 27, 2023, the investigation led DCI agents to a rural address in Crawford County where human remains were located. Three individuals were arrested for concealment of a homicidal death. Forensic analysis is being completed to identify the remains.
Following a thorough investigation, Lance T. Newcomb, Angela S. Newcomb, and Hiley A. Schulte were arrested by ISP DCI Zone 8, with the assistance of the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Robinson Police Department, and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department. On June 29, 2023 the above charges were approved by the Crawford County State’s Attorney’s Office. All three are currently in custody at the Crawford County Jail. No further information is available.
Lance T. Newcomb (M/24)
Angela S. Newcomb (F/58)
Hiley A. Schulte (F/52)
Indiana State Police Trooper Struck and Killed During Pursuit in Hendricks County ***UPDATE***
(Hendricks, County, IN)-Two individuals were arrested and incarcerated in the Hendricks County Jail early this morning in connection with the incident yesterday evening which claimed the life of Indiana State Police Trooper Aaron N. Smith.
Eddie P. Jones, Jr., 18 years of age from Sikeston, Missouri, who was driving the stolen 2016 Chevrolet Traverse has been preliminarily charged with Murder, a Level 1 Felony.
The adult passenger, DeMareon L. Curry, 19 years of age from Sikeston, Missouri has been preliminarily charged with Auto Theft, a Level 5 Felony.
A 15-year-old female, who was listed as a missing person from Missouri will be turned over to authorities from that state later today. She is not being charged in connection with this incident.
As this investigation continues to move forward, the Hendricks County Prosecutor will make the final determination of these preliminary charges and will review the potential for additional criminal charges.
At this time there is no additional information for release.
The original press release is below.
Indiana State Police Trooper Struck and Killed During Pursuit in Hendricks County
(Hendricks County, IN)- The Indiana State Police is mourning the loss of one of its own tonight as a result of a vehicle crash incident which occurred this afternoon on Ronald Reagan Parkway, north of I-70. The crash claimed the life of Trooper Aaron N. Smith, 33 years of age from Franklin, IN, who served with the Indiana State Police for nearly five years.
The preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police indicates that at approximately 8:40 p.m. this evening, Trooper Smith was assisting other troopers on Ronald Reagan Parkway with a pursuit of a stolen vehicle.
Trooper Smith attempted to de-escalate that vehicle pursuit by deploying stop sticks. Trooper Smith was struck by the suspect vehicle and critically injured. Emergency medical care was rendered at the scene, and he was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Trooper Smith is survived by his wife. Family notifications have been made.
“This is a tremendously sad day for the entire Indiana State Police family. We will band together as we always do in support of Trooper Smith's family, friends and co-workers”, said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.
The suspect driver involved in this incident, along with an adult and juvenile passenger were all transported to Indianapolis hospitals for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
This is still an ongoing investigation. All findings will be turned over to the Hendricks County Prosecutor for review and determination of any further charges that may be filed.
The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Plainfield Police Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Plainfield Fire Department, and Troopers from neighboring Indiana State Police Putnamville Post.
No additional information is available for release at this time.
Patoka Man Arrested for Child Molesting
Gibson County – An Indiana State Police investigation has resulted in the arrest of Timothy Allen Head, 54, of Patoka, for Child Molesting, a Level 1 Felony.
Indiana State Police Detective Toni Walden initiated a criminal investigation earlier this month after receiving information that Head had allegedly molested a female under the age of 14. During the investigation, Detective Walden revealed Head had allegedly molested the female juvenile on multiple occasions between the summer of 2020 and May 29, 2023. The investigation also revealed that Head had allegedly purchased alcohol for the juvenile on more than one occasion.
The Gibson County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the investigation, and a felony arrest warrant was issued for his arrest. Head was arrested this afternoon after he turned himself in at the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
Arrested and Charge:
Timothy Allen Head, 54, Patoka, IN
Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony
Investigating Officer: Detective Toni Walden, Indiana State Police
