On December 30, 2024, at 5:56 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart conducted a traffic stop on a Gray Pontiac Grand Am for an equipment violation on Main Street and State Street in Princeton. During a roadside investigation Deputy Baumgart discovered Marijuana and Methamphetamines on the driver 49 year old Shawn Madison of Princeton. Deputy Baumgart then continued his investigation transporting Ms. Madison to Deaconess Gibson Hospital where Standard Field Sobriety Tests were conducted and a chemical test was obtained. At the end of the investigation Ms. Madison was transported to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamines, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Assisting Deputy Baumgart in his investigation was Deputies Wyatt Hunt and Eric Powell. Also assisting in this investigation was Princeton Officer Bryce Jutzi.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Juvenile Arrested In Connection To Vehicle Break-ins
On 12/28/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested a male juvenile for 3 counts of Burglary and 1 count of Theft following an investigation into multiple vehicle burglaries overnight. With the information provided by several victims and follow-up by the investigating officers, they identified the suspect. The juvenile was charged and later sent to a juvenile detention center pending a court hearing. Any victims who have not filed a report with the police are encouraged to do so. Additionally, anyone with surveillance cameras outside of their home is asked to review their footage and report any suspicious behavior that occurred overnight (12/27-12/28/2024) from the targeted area of Walnut west towards Oak Street from 4th to 6th Street. This investigation is still ongoing.
Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Allegedly Misusing Found Debit Card
On 12/27/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested John Kent Kirkman, age 68, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of a Lost or Mislaid Credit/Debit Card with Intent to Use and Possession of a Controlled Substance following an investigation into the unlawful use of an individual’s debit card. The investigating officer utilized bank transactions and video surveillance to identify Kirkman as a suspect. In making contact with Kirkman he admitted to finding the card lying in the street, changed the PIN by contacting the issuing bank, and made multiple cash withdrawals from ATMs. Kirkman turned over the card and was placed under arrest. During the arrest, the officer located a packaged white substance in his pants pocket which later field tested positive for cocaine. Kirkman was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the above charges and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Fort Branch man
On December 27, 2024, at 6:40 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Green 1998 Lexus for an equipment violation on US 41 near County Road 800 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt identified the driver as 50 year old Justin Carter of Fort Branch. During a roadside records check it was discovered that Mr. Carter had only an identification card and his status with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles listed him as a Habitual Traffic Violator with a lifetime suspension. At that point Deputy Hunt placed Mr. Carter into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Habitual Traffic Violator/Life.
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Deputies from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the Fort Branch Police Department.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
911 call leads to arrest of Fort Branch man on multiple charges
On December 28, 2024, at 3:18 p.m. the Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a disturbance that was happening on US 41 north of Fort Branch. Communications Officer Hannah Joyce gave deputies an accurate description of the vehicle and its approximate location. A short time later Deputy Eric Powell located the vehicle parked on the side of the highway near County Road 650 South and began investigation into the incident. During the investigation Deputies collected evidence and statements from everyone involved. At the conclusion of the investigation Deputy Powell placed 41 year old Stephen Sokeland of Fort Branch into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Sokeland was charged with Domestic Battery, Possession of Synthetic Drug, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Trafficking With an Inmate.
Arresting Officer: Eric Powell
Assisting Officers: Wyatt Hunt and Quinten Might
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Missouri Man in Custody Following Shooting at Gas Station
Warrick County – An early morning confrontation at a Lynnville gas station has resulted in the arrest of Eli B. Gunden, 28, of Missouri, for multiple felony offenses.
On Monday, December 30th, at approximately 12:01 a.m. EST, area police responded to Casey’s gas station located at 107 IN-68 Lynnville, after a female was shot at. A preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police revealed Eli Gunden drove up to a female, that was inside her car, in the parking lot of Casey’s gas station. Gunden made an unsolicited comment towards the female and the female did not respond. Gunden pointed a handgun from inside his vehicle and fired two rounds into the female’s vehicle. The female was not struck or injured. Gunden fled the scene in a Toyota, SUV.
A short time later, the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle on I-64. Gunden eventually fled and officers began to pursue him. The pursuit continued south on US 231, turned onto State Road 62, and then back north on US 231. Gunden pulled over to the side of the road and refused to exit the vehicle. Multiple agencies from Dubois County, Spencer County, and the Indiana State Police responded. After about a two-hour stand-off. Gunden exited the vehicle without incident. Gunden was transported to the Spencer County Jail where he is being held without bond.
Investigating Officer: Detective Sergeant Brock Werne
Assisting Officers: Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police SWAT, Dubois County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, Warrick County Sheriff's Office, Dale Police Department, and Ferdinand Police Department
This incident is still under investigation and charges are pending.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Christmas Day Incident Lands Two In Jail
On 12/25/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Phillip W. Farrar, age 56, on a Wabash County Warrant for Failure to Appear on outstanding charges for Methamphetamine Delivery, Felony Domestic Battery, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon. Farrar received new charges for Obstructing Justice, Aggravated Intimidation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Also arrested, Frank E. Shoultz, age 48, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of Methamphetamine, Concealing/Aiding a Fugitive, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, Obstructing Justice, and Aggravated Intimidation. These arrests stemmed from a traffic stop at Southgate Dr. & South Walnut St. on a red Nissan in which Farrar and Shoultz were passengers. As the officer spoke to the driver, he found that Farrar was one of the occupants. Farrar and Shoultz attempted to lie about the identity of Farrar; however, the officer had dealt with him in the past and recognized his identity. Initially, Farrar refused to follow the officer’s orders to exit the vehicle but eventually complied. During his arrest, Farrar made threats of harm towards both officers. When officers attempted to search Shoultz he threw one of his shoes into the ditch and attempted to flee. A struggle ensued resulting in Shoultz being tased before being taken into custody. When Shoultz’s shoe was recovered officers located a black bag inside of it that contained multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine with a total weight of approximately 12 grams. Shoultz also made comments about causing harm to the officers when released from jail. Both men were transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were issued their charges and warrant. It was later learned that Shoultz was on Mandatory Supervised Release from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). IDOC was notified of his arrest, resulting in the issuance of an IDOC Warrant. Both men are being held without bond. MCPD was assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office.
Three Arrested On Alcohol Related Offenses Following Sunday Incident
On 12/22/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Gage A. Price, age 20, of Mt. Carmel for Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by Minor and Possession of Alcohol by Minor. Officers also arrested Evan D. Isaac, age 22, of Mt. Carmel for Driving Under the Influence and Sell/Gift/Delivery of Alcohol to a Minor along with Autumn M. Keepes, age 20, of Mt. Carmel for Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by Minor as a result of this incident. Before the arrest, police were called to a residence in the 200 block of East 9th Street regarding an alleged dispute. Once on scene police learned that the dispute occurred between Price and another male subject. The other individual left the scene but the officers found that Price was intoxicated and in possession of alcohol. During this time the other involved party, Evan Isaac drove past the scene. The arresting officer caught up to Isaac and conducted a traffic stop on Isaac’s white Chevrolet in the 300 block of Pear Street. While the officers continued to investigate the dispute allegation, they found evidence suggesting Isaac and his passenger, Autumn Keepes, were intoxicated. After it was determined that no charges would occur from the dispute, they requested Isaac submit to a roadside sobriety check which he agreed to do. During the check, officers found several clues to indicate impairment, resulting in Isaac’s arrest. The officer also confirmed his suspicion as to Keepes being intoxicated resulting in her arrest. Isaac was processed for DUI and then transported to the Wabash County Jail, along with Keepes and Price. All three individuals were later released on Notices to Appear.
Greenup Woman Picked Up On Bench Warrant
On 12/19/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Heather R. Davis, age 43, of Greenup, Illinois, on a Crawford County Illinois Bench Warrant. Police learned of the warrant while conducting a stand-by for a property exchange at the Shamrock Motel, between Davis and another individual. Davis was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was issued the warrant and turned over to corrections staff.
FTA Warrant Results In Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man
On 12/20/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Justin M. Harms, age 33, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Warrant for Failure to Appear. The arresting officer located Harms during a vehicle stop in the 700 block of North Walnut Street. Harms was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and turned over to corrections staff.