Traffic stop leads to arrest of duo on drug charges

On November 2, 2023 at 3:02 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Quinten Might and Princeton Officer Brandt George conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2000 Buick on Park Street in Fort Branch.  Upon approaching the vehicle Officer George placed the 28 year old driver Cody Jenkins and passenger 38 year old Kara Owens both of Princeton into custody after observing drug paraphernalia at the scene in plain view.  After a brief investigation Deputy Quinten Might transported Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Owens to the Gibson County Jail. 
 
Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Jenkins was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Methamphetamines, and Driving While Suspended Prior.  He remains in custody on a $750 bond. 
 
Ms. Owens was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Methamphetamines.  She has since posted a $750 bond. 
 
Assisting Deputy Might and Officer George in their investigation was Sergeant Loren Barchett. 
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Patoka woman arrested on DUI and leaving the scene of an accident charges

On November 5, 2023 at 1:40 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of an accident in the 100 block of East Spring Street in Patoka.  The caller reported that two parked vehicles had been struck by a van that had fled the scene.  Sgt. John Fischer arrived on scene and opened an investigation into the incident.  During his investigation he followed the debris trail to a residence on Mill Street.  Upon speaking with speaking with 62 year old Cynthia Cullivan who resides at the residence Sgt. Fischer found probable cause to believe that Ms. Cullivan was the driver of the vehicle and was under the influence of Methamphetamines and Amphetamines.  At the conclusion of his investigation he transported Ms. Cullivan to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with Endangerment and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.  Ms. Cullivan has since posted a $650 bond. 
 
Assisting Sgt. Fischer in his investigation was Princeton Sgt. Benjamin Kiesel and Indiana State Trooper Tanner Hurley. 
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Confronting State Trooper With Hatchet Earns Mt. Carmel Man Trip To Jail

On 11/05/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jordan J. Evans, age 29, of Mt. Carmel for Aggravated Intimidation and Armed Violence following an incident at the 9th & Oak Street carwash.  Police were called to the scene when an off-duty Illinois State Trooper, who was attempting to clean their squad vehicle, requested assistance due to Evans approaching them while armed with a hatchet.  Evans allegedly threatened the trooper and made concerning comments about their family before leaving the scene in his vehicle.  Officers from the Mt. Carmel Police Department and a deputy from the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office located Evans parked at his residence while seated in the driver’s seat.  Evans was taken into custody without incident.  Officers located a hatchet in the front passenger seat as well as a box cutter in his pants pocket.  Evans was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention hearing.  

Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana

INDIANA – Much of Indiana experienced an arctic blast last week, and some saw measurable snow. Although temperatures are leveling out out for early November, the Indiana Department of Transportation urges Hoosiers to be prepared as winter approaches.

Gov. Eric Holcomb proclaimed Nov. 5 - 11 Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. Along with the National Weather Service and other agencies, INDOT is encouraging the traveling public to use this week as a reminder to take steps to prepare for potential hazards that come with winter weather.

For safe travel, INDOT offers the following tips: 

  • Slow down and adjust travel to conditions, especially on snow covered roads.

  • Never tailgate or drive beside a snowplow, as the driver's visibility may be limited. If you must pass, do so carefully.

  • Be prepared in case of a crash and becoming stranded; always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, a phone charger, sand or cat litter, flares or bright LED alternatives, a flashlight, and blankets.

  • Keep your vehicle full of gas and check your battery, fluids and spare tire.

Throughout winter, snow, ice, freezing rain, and fog all present travel challenges. Roads can become slick, even after pre-treatment and regular treatment during and after a storm.

Winter Operations crews monitor forecasts several weeks out and prepare for winter storms based on the type of precipitation, conditions leading up to an event, and extended forecast following a storm. If conditions allow, roads are pre-treated with salt brine and are regularly treated with rock salt. In colder temperatures, salt and brine alone take longer to activate. Environmentally-friendly chemicals may be used if necessary to boost effectiveness.

Snowplow drivers typically work 12-hour shifts during a storm and on average, take two-to-three hours to complete a full route. INDOT has prepared for winter operations by hiring seasonal snowplow drivers, completing training with current staff, inspecting equipment, and securing materials, like salt.

For information about road conditions during a winter storm, visit 511in.org to view INDOT's TrafficWise map, or download the app on your Apple or Android device. Other ways to stay connected include subscribing to INDOT News via GovDelivery and following INDOT on social media for regional information and additional resources. Roadway concerns may be reported to INDOT Customer Service at indot4u.com.

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Police Investigate North Park Vehicle Break-Ins

Mt Carmel Police are currently investigating a report of car alarms going off on North Drive that was initially reported a little after 4am this morning. Police arrived to the scene and eventually located an individual parked in a South Drive driveway that had no viable story for being there nor did the resident know him. The subject also had gloves and a glass breaking device inside the vehicle.

If anyone in this, or any other area of Mt Carmel, noticed their vehicle or property entered overnight, please call MCPD at 618-262-4114 and ask to speak to an officer. Residents that have video cameras are asked to view their footage for additional information.  The individual is currently being charged as we further the investigation.

MT. CARMEL’S FAMILY & BUDGET FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IS DECEMBER 1ST

Helping to make Christmas memories for a decade and a half, Mt. Carmel’s Christmas Uptown is designed for the entire family! On Friday, December 1st, nearly four city blocks become, as one festival attendee put it, “Our version of a Hallmark movie”. Best of all, the attractions are all free! That’s right, Carriages, Wagons, Trains, even a Trolley and “Rudolph” Pony rides are offered at no charge. And there’s more. A S’mores Station, Take-Home Christmas Craft booth, StoryTime w/Mrs. Clause, Face Painting, Photo Ops (including 10’ x 10’ w/Live Characters), and for our younger visitors, a Winter Wonderland Play Zone. Christmas music? Watch & listen to Jazz Bands, Dancing Groups, Strings of the Season, Strolling Victorian Carolers, and throughout the entire festival, Christmas Uptown Radio. Again, all at no charge. Also on hand will be numerous Food Trucks, along with Sweets & Treats and Arts & Crafts vendors. Retailers will be open late offering some great Christmas Specials! The festival is scheduled from 4pm-9pm, and you might want to arrive early enough to enjoy some of the 75 gallons of Free Hot Cocoa. You’ll also want to take time to wind through the Festival of Trees on your way to visit with Santa himself at the Merchants Park Pavilion. For more information and an interactive map, download the Christmas Uptown App at christmasuptown.com or visit our Facebook Page. And don’t forget the 57th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:15pm on Saturday, December 2nd!! 

EVANSVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY VIOLATING OP

On 11/05/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Melissa G. Craig, age 57, of Evansville for Violation of an Order of Protection.  On this date, the protected party contacted police regarding Craig coming to a residence on Lambert Drive, knowing the protected party to be present.  When police arrived to take the report, Surprisingly, Craig arrived back on scene with law enforcement present.  After confirming the validity of the order of protection, Craig was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Craig is being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing. 

Thursday Incident Results In Multiple Charges For Mt. Carmel Man

On 11/02/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Timothy W. Morrison, age 46, of Mt. Carmel for Violation of an Order of Protection, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, Aggravated Intimidation, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property following an incident in the 300 block of West 3rd Street.  Prior to the arrest, a police officer on patrol observed a planter on fire in front of Dragon Nails.  While officers and the Mt. Carmel Fire Department extinguished the fire, Morrison walked past them.  One of the officers recalled an active order of protection against Morrison with the protected party being within 500 feet of this location.  An officer stopped Morrison in the area of 3rd & Walnut Street where he was placed under arrest for the violation.  During the interaction, Morrison attempted to pull away from officers and kicked an MCPD squad car.  Morrison made threatening statements to the officers and refused to walk after kicking the squad.  Morrison then had to be physically carried to a squad car where he continued to resist law enforcement orders.  Morrison was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention hearing. 

Trespassing At Tower Heights Lands Mt. Carmel Woman In Jail

On 11/04/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kenni Jo Klingel, age 53, of Mt. Carmel for Criminal Trespass to Government Supported Property.  Police were called to the scene when an employee observed Klingel inside the Tower Heights apartment building.  Klingel had previously been barred from the property by management, which is funded by the government.  Police located Klingel on the 7th floor where she was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Klingel was charged, processed by jail staff and released on a Notice to Appear.