Indiana State Police Reminds Drivers: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Jasper, IN - Drive sober or get pulled over. That’s the warning the Indiana State Police are issuing drivers as they gear up for the annual end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign. Starting August 16 through September 2, the Indiana State Police will join with officers across the state to increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints to crack down on those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). 

“Driving drunk or drug-impaired is a problem for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Making the choice to operate a vehicle while impaired is never the right option.”  

Alcohol-impaired driving continues to contribute to many deaths in Indiana. In 2023, around 20% of all traffic fatalities in Indiana involved alcohol impairment. Drug-impaired driving is another major contributor to deadly crashes. In 2023, nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities involved drug impairment. 

“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Lieutenant Jason Allen. “Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior.” 

Drivers should be safe during this Labor Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. Even if you only have one drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Illinois woman on drug charges

On August 9, 2024, at 1:55 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop in the area of State Road 165 near County Road 550 South after observing a Red Chevy passenger car run the stop sign at County Road 1000 West and State Road 165.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt detected the odor of Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  At that point he began a roadside drug investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Hunt placed the driver 39 year old Jessica Popplewell of Bluford, Illiniois into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail Ms. Popplewell was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of a Schedule Drug, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
 
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Deputy Michael Bates.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Odon Man Rearrested During Lengthy Investigation

Jasper, Indiana – In April 2024, detectives with the Indiana State Police arrested, Matthew Cornelius, of Odon, for charges of stalking and drug possession. After the arrest, a no-contact order was issued through the court against Cornelius for the female victim and her children. After the arrest, the Indiana State Police were provided information that Cornelius violated the no-contact order on multiple occasions. Based on information gathered during the investigation, detectives requested an arrest warrant through the Knox County Superior Court. As a result, on August 7, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Matthew Cornelius.

On August 8, 2024, The Indiana State Police served the arrest warrant at 115 Demotte Drive in Odon for the Invasion of Privacy warrant on Cornelius. During the arrest, probable cause was found for suspected illegal drug activity inside the residence. A search warrant was applied for and granted by the court. During a search of the residence, suspected illegal drugs were located. Matthew Cornelius was arrested from the residence and is currently housed in the Daviess County Jail.

 

Arrested and Charges

Matthew R. Cornelius, 45, Odon, IN

(Warrant) Invasion of Privacy – Class A Misdemeanor (12 Counts)                                                                                                                                                                            

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class A Misdemeanor

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

*****Prior Release of Odon Man Arrested for Drugs and Burglary*****

  

Jasper, Indiana – On April 13, 2024, Detectives from the Indiana State Police were contacted about alleged domestic crimes and drug possession that had occurred in Odon Indiana. Based on information gathered during the investigation, detectives requested a search warrant through the Perry County Circuit Court. As a result, on April 17, 2024, a search warrant was signed for the residence of 115 Demotte Drive in Odon Indiana.

On April 18, 2024 Detectives with the Indiana State Police served a search warrant at 115 Demotte Drive in Odon. Matthew Cornelius was arrested from the residence and is currently housed in the Daviess County Jail.

This case is still pending and currently, there is no threat to the public.

 

Arrested and Charges

Matthew R. Cornelius, 45, Odon, IN

Burglary – Level 6 Felony

Stalking – Level 6 Felony

Voyeurism – Level 6 Felony

Intimidation – Level 6 Felony (5 Counts)

Residential Entry – Level 6 Felony

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony

Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor

Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

 

Investigating Agency - Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies – Department of Child Services

Burglary Investigation Ends With Drug Charges For Mt. Carmel Man

On 8/07/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jason M. Reavill, age 51, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle following an investigation into a possible burglary at a trailer located at T.P. Trailer Park.  A concerned neighbor observed a subject with a flashlight inside of an unoccupied trailer.  Officers arrived to investigate and located Reavill inside.  Reavill claimed he had permission from the trailer owner; however, officers later learned that was not the case after speaking to the owner.  Reavill admitted to having methamphetamine and a needle on his person.  Officers also located a burnt spoon, cotton ball and a plastic container containing a white substance.  The property owner declined to pursue burglary charges against Reavill but he was arrested on the above charges before transport to the Wabash County Jail.  Upon arrival, he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear.

Domestic Dispute Results In Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 8/07/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Alexander S. Wilkinson, age 28, of Mt. Carmel for No FOID Card- Possession of Firearms following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 200 block of E 5th Street.  During the course of the domestic investigation, officers learned of multiple firearms, some loaded with ammunition, in the home.  Wilkinson admitted the firearms were his although he had never obtained a FOID Card upon becoming an Illinois resident.  The firearms were secured by law enforcement and Wilkinson was later arrested for the violation. Wilkinson was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.   

ISP TO CONDUCT NIGHTTIME ENFORCEMENT PATROLS

EFFINGHAM– Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Captain Nathan Douglas, announces the ISP will conduct Nighttime Enforcement (NITE) patrols in Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Wabash, and Wayne counties during September. NITE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to impaired driving and occupant restraint violations especially between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The number of unrestrained drivers killed in traffic crashes is significantly higher at nighttime and combined with impaired driving means even more traffic deaths during these critical hours.

Officers working the enforcement patrols will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, speeding, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.

Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. Over half of all fatal crashes in Illinois occur at night. The NITE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous impaired drivers from the road and making sure everyone is buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation

ISP TO CONDUCT ALCOHOL COUNTERMEASURE ENFORCEMENT PATROLS

EFFINGHAM – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Captain Nathan Douglas, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Lawrence, Marion, and White counties during September. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs.

The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations.

Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

State Police Investigate Fatal Vehicle Accident on US 40

Putnam County - The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is investigating a crash between a passenger vehicle and a pickup truck that occurred on August 7, 2024 at the junction of US 40 and State Road 240, claiming the life of one individual.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Hunter McCord indicated that at approximately 4:20 p.m., a 2004 Lexus driven by Kent Smith, age 67, of Coatesville, Indiana, was attempting to go eastbound on US 40 from southbound State Road 240.  Smith failed to observe a 2021 Ford pickup truck that was traveling westbound on US 40 driven by Charlie Slicer Jr., age 59 of Quincy, Indiana.  Slicer attempted an evasive driving maneuver but was unable to avoid the collision. The force of the collision caused the Lexus to travel off the roadway, rolling over on its top, and coming to a stop. 

As a result of the crash, Smith sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Putnam Coroner’s Office.  His family has been notified.  

Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a contributing factor of the accident.  

Assisting Agencies:  Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Putnam County EMS, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, and Curtis Wrecker Service.