Indiana State Police Reminds Hoosiers to Put Away Distractions while Behind the Wheel

Jasper, IN — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a national high-visibility enforcement effort this April to deter distracted driving.

"Distractions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences,” said Devon McDonald, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director. “We urge all motorists to focus on the road and avoid any activity that takes their attention away from driving safely."

Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind people to put away distractions while on the road. This effort comes during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk,” said Lieutenant Jason Allen. Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving.”

Violating Indiana’s distracted driving laws can be costly. Violators of Indiana’s hands-free law could face a Class C infraction with fines of up to $500 and have points added to their license.

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.

Haubstadt man arrested on DUI charge

On March 24, 2024, at 12:05 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Gray 2017 Ford F250 after observing the vehicle speed on South Main in Princeton.  Upon stopping the vehicle at the intersection of New Jersey Street and Boulevard Place Deputy Hunt approached the vehicle and immediately detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver 29 year old Damian Silva of Haubstadt.  At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Hunt placed Mr. Silva into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 

Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Deputy Bart Wagner and Princeton Officers Ben Kiesel and Nick Rainey.

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

West Virginia man arrested on Meth charge

On March 23rd, 2024 at approximately 3:10 a.m. Gibson County Sgt. John Fischer was patrolling US 41 near CR 550 S when he observed a vehicle pulled off the roadway under the overpass at CR 550 S.  

Sgt. Fischer stopped to check on the driver and identified him as Brent Runyon, age 41 of Lake West Virginia.  During the check of Mr. Runyon it was found he had a warrant for his arrest from Missouri.  Sgt. Fischer placed him in custody and during a search of his person, a bag of Methamphetamine was located.

Mr. Runyon is being held at the Gibson County Jail for possession of Methamphetamine and the warrant.

Sgt. John Fischer was assisted by Deputy Bart Wagner and Fort Branch Deputy Marshal Louis Jerrel.

Princeton man arrested on OWI charge

On March 22, 2024, at 11:39 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Bart Wagner conducted a traffic stop on a traffic stop on a Red 2023 Tao Moped on North Gibson Street near Emerson Street in Princeton after observing the driver of the vehicle failing to maintain their lane of travel.  While speaking with the driver 53 year old Rodney Benson of Princeton Deputy Wagner detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  At that point Deputy Wagner began a roadside DUI investigation.  During the roadside investigation Mr. Benson physically began to resist Deputy Wagner and Princeton Officer Nick Rainey.  At that point Mr. Benson was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Benson was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated With a Prior Conviction, Battery on a Public Safety Official, and Disorderly Conduct.

Assisting Deputy Wagner and Officer Rainey in their investigation was Princeton Sergeant Ben Kiesel and Gibson County Sergeant John Fischer.

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 Discovery of Estimated 1.1 Million Dollars of Illegal Drugs

Putnam County- Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., an Indiana State Trooper stopped a white Freightliner tractor-trailer on I-70 at the 41 mile-marker eastbound, for a routine DOT compliance inspection.  During conversations with the driver, criminal indicators were observed, and a consensual search of the tractor-trailer was conducted.   

During the search, the trooper found 70 pounds of cocaine, 45 pounds of marijuana, and $47,735 in United States currency. 

The driver was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Putnam County Jail. The driver is being charged with dealing narcotics, Level 2 Felony, and dealing marijuana, Level 5 Felony.  

The tractor-trailer was enroute from Los Angeles, California, to Indianapolis, Indiana.

The estimated street value of the marijuana is $100,000 and the cocaine is 1 million dollars.   

Attached: Photo of drugs seized.  

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

Judge Says City Ready For Eclipse Visitors

Despite reports to the contrary, Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge says there is a plan in place for the April 8th total solar eclipse. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Judge said several meetings have been held to prep for the once in a lifetime event that is expected to draw visitors from all over…

Judge said city workers will be sent where they’re needed…

Wabash County Inmates Moved To White County

From Wabash County Sheriff’s Department:

*Notice of Inmate Movement*

As of March 22nd, 2024 the Wabash County Sheriff's Office has moved all of our inmates to the White Co. Jail in Carmi, Illinois. The purpose of this move is to facilitate jail maintenance and staff training. The inmates will be moved back to the Wabash County Jail in 8 weeks.

White County Jail has similar systems as the Wabash County Jail. For more information find them on Facebook, or download their app WHITE COUNTY SHERIFF IL, the app has links to deposit money for an inmate, set up a video visit, or for general Jail information. It can be found in your android or apple app store and is free.