New Years Eve fire fatalities now labeled double homicide

On December 31, 2024, at 6:24 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a fire at 7027 East State Road 64 near Francisco.  Multiple officers responded to the scene as well as the Francisco Fire Department.  Upon arriving law enforcement officers from the Oakland City Police Department, Indiana State Police, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office attempted were able to gain entry into the house where they discovered a deceased person.  Due to heavy smoke and fire arriving on scene law enforcement did not go further into the residence.  Once Francisco Fire entered the residence they discovered that there were two separate fires in the residence and a total of two deceased individuals.
 
Once the fire was extinguished The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Gibson County Coroner’s Office, Indiana State Police Crime Scene Unit, and Detectives with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the incident.  During the investigation evidence was collected that indicated that the death of the two individuals was intentional, and the fire was not accidental. 
 
During the course of the investigation Detective Sergeant Roger Ballard made attempts to locate 53 year old Michael R. Kegg who also was listed as a resident of the 7027 E. State Road 64 address.  At 7:57 p.m. last night a Be On the Look Out (aka a BOLO) was placed for Mr. Kegg requesting that if located he be stopped and held for questioning.  Mr. Kegg is a 6’ White Male that weighs approximately 215 lbs.   Kegg also has brown hair and blue eyes.  If located contact law enforcement immediately.  Due to the nature of the fire scene, and until Mr. Kegg can be ruled out as a suspect he should be considered armed and dangerous.   Mr. Kegg is known to drive a Blue 2017 Mazda 8GR, but could also have access to a White Ford Pickup. 
 
The deceased at this time are in the possession of the Gibson County Coroner’s Office.  Their names will not be released until an autopsy is scheduled with a Pathologist.
 
Fire Departments on scene: Francisco Fire Department, Oakland City Fire, Patoka Township Fire, and Barton Township Fire.
 
Law Enforcement involved in the investigation were: Oakland City Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Deaconess Gibson Police, and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office. 
 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Two Found Dead In Francisco Fire

On December 31, 2024, at 6:24 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a fire in the 7000 block of East State Road 64 near Francisco.  Multiple Officers responded to the scene as well as Francisco Fire Department.  Upon arriving law enforcement officers attempted to gain entry into the house where they discovered a deceased person.  Law enforcement officers could not go further into the house due to conditions surrounding the fire.  Once Francisco Fire arrived on scene a second person was discovered deceased in the residence. 
 
Francisco fire was assisted in containing the fire by the Oakland City Fire Territory, Bart Township Fire, and the Patoka Township Fire Department.
 
Law Enforcement Officers initially on scene were the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Oakland City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police.
 
This is an active death and fire investigation being investigated in partnership by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Gibson County Coroner, Indiana State Police, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Evansville couple

On December 30, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation on a Silver Acura Integra on US 41 near County Road 168.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell identified the driver as 31 year old Jabbor Ahmed of Evansville.  During a roadside investigation Deputy Powell ran Mr. Ahmed through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and discovered the Mr. Ahmed’s licenses was suspended on a prior driving while suspended prior conviction.  Further it was revealed that Mr. Ahmed had an active Failure To Appear Warrant through Porter County. 
 
While in his patrol car Deputy Powell observed the passenger 24 year old Singleton Johnson of Evansville making multiple furtive movements getting into the glove box and under the seat are of the vehicle.  At that point Deputy Powell and other officers on scene approached the vehicle and placed Mr. Ahmed into custody.  They then informed Ms. Johnson that the vehicle was going to be towed until it proper registration and insurance were placed on the vehicle.  During an inventory search of the vehicle illegal drug and drug paraphernalia were found in the area of Ms. Johnson.  At that point Ms. Johnson was placed into custody. 
 
Once the investigation was completed on scene Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Johnson were transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Mr. Ahmed was held on the Porter County Warrant and a new Driving While Suspended/Prior Chard.  Ms. Johnson was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
 
Arresting Officer: Eric Powell
Assisting Officers:  Indiana Conservation Officer Ryan McIntyre and Deputy Wyatt Hunt. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Princeton woman arrested on OWI and Drug charges

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.