On 3/09/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Nicholas M. Irelan, age 38, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Warrant for Failure to Appear. The arresting officer observed Irelan walking at 3rd & Ash Street, where he was taken into custody without incident. Irelan was transported to the Wabash County Jail, where he was issued the warrant and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.
Mt. Carmel Man Arrested Twice On Wednesday
On 3/12/25, at approximately 12:46 am, Mt. Carmel Police arrested two Mt. Carmel men identified as Brandon L. Reed, age 31, on a Richland County Warrant for Failure to Appear along with David Ryan Harms, age 37, for Unlawful Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe after an officer observed Reed operating a brown Buick that had pulled into a parking lot near the intersection of 9th & Poplar Street. The officer knew of the warrant and took Reed into custody. During the arrest, Harms approached and stated he had belongings in Reed’s vehicle. Harms wished to remove his property before the vehicle was secured. Harms was allowed to do so; however, the officer requested a search of his belongings due to Harms being on Mandatory Supervised Release (Parole) from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Harms agreed and attempted to show his belongings while trying to conceal (5) used hypodermic syringes in his property. The officer placed Harms under arrest as well, taking the hypodermic syringes as evidence. Both men were transported to the Wabash County Jail, where Reed was issued his warrant and held pending extradition back to Richland County. Harms was charged, processed, and released on a Notice to Appear in court.
On 3/12/25, at approximately 8:46 am, Mt. Carmel Police received a complaint about a burglary to a vehicle parked at a residence in the 500 block of Chestnut Street. Upon arrival, the officer found that overnight, an unknown individual(s) had unlawfully entered the complainant’s 2015 GMC, removing a purse, wallet, and numerous cards that included social security and credit cards. During this time, an individual walking north on Chestnut found several of the cards lying on the roadway. The individual contacted the family and notified them of their findings. The investigating officer utilized video footage from several different surveillance cameras nearby and observed a male subject known to him as David Ryan Harms, age 37, walking while looking through a bag. As Harms examined the contents of the bag, he was seen throwing cards on the ground which were later found by the good Samaritan. The officer then responded back to the brown Buick, still parked at 9th & Poplar Street, where they encountered Harms. The officer advised Harms he was under arrest, at which time Harms took off running, resulting in the officer discharging his Taser to stop Harms’ flight. Harms was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Harms was issued charges for Burglary, Theft, and Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer. Harms remains in custody at the Wabash County Jail, pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.
Later, on this date, with the assistance of Wabash County States Attorney Kelli Storckman, a request for a search warrant of the brown Buick was sought and granted by Wabash Circuit Court Judge William Hudson. Officers recovered mail belonging to three other individuals, unrelated to Harms or Reed. The mail was taken as evidence with further investigation pending due to this discovery.
David Ryan Harms
Judge Comments On Proposed State Spending Plan
As lawmakers in Springfield debate how to close a proposed $3 billion budget deficit, Mayor Joe Judge has seen Governor JB Pritzker’s spending blueprint and he offered his reaction at last week’s City Council meeting….
Judge said there will still be grant opportunity the city can pursue once the money is allocated. He said quarterly reports on the lead service lines and police retention grants were recently submitted.
Bids Opened For City Pool Demo
Bids were opened last week to demolish the Mt. Carmel City Pool to make way for the new aquatic center. Before the bids were opened, Mayor Joe Judge explained what was being explored…
The first bid submitted was for the roof only portion of the project while the second bid was for demolition of the building, pool, and pump house. On the roof only portion, Guisewite Excavating had the low bid at $12,500 while Swanson Excavating was low bidder on the second portion at $107,900. Judge said the bids were being taken under advisement before being formally awarded.
2022 WSJD File Photo
City Park Restrooms To Reopen Next Month
Warm temperatures this week mean increased use of the city park. But, if you’re wondering why the park’s restrooms are still locked and out of service, Mayor Joe Judge has your answer…
Judge said the park restrooms are typically open until November 15th at which point they are winterized.
UPDATE: Ramp restriction planned for U.S. 41 in Knox County
KNOX COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a ramp restriction for U.S. 41 in Knox County.
Beginning on or around Thursday, March 13, crews will begin a ramp restriction to the south bound on ramp from Hart Street to U.S. 41 in Vincennes.
This restriction will allow for maintenance operations. Traffic flow will be managed with a signal. Work is expected to take a day to complete, depending on the weather.
Lane and shoulder closures planned for U.S. 41 in Gibson County
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane and shoulder closures for U.S. 41 in Gibson County.
Beginning on or around Monday, March 17, crews will begin alternating lane and shoulder closures on U.S. 41 near Princeton. These lane closures will occur between County Road 100 West and County Road 300 South.
Alternating lane closures will allow for tree trimming operations to occur. Work is expected to take three days to complete, depending on the weather.
Two Injured In Armed Robbery At Mt. Carmel Convenience Store
On 3/10/2025, at approximately midnight, Mt. Carmel Police responded to the Mt. Carmel Express Mart located at 231 N Walnut Street about a robbery that had just occurred. Police arrived at the scene and found that two employees had just been robbed at gunpoint by an unknown subject, masked and dressed completely in black. The suspect was armed with a silver revolver-style handgun, with the butt of the handgun used to strike both individuals during the robbery, with an unknown amount of money taken from the cash registers. Both employees sustained injuries and required medical attention at area hospitals. Police are utilizing video footage of the store and ask that anyone with potential information call Wabash County Crimestoppers at 618-262-4258. Currently, Crimestoppers is offering a $1000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Callers can remain anonymous. Calls can also be made to the Mt. Carmel Police Department at 618-262-4114.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Evansville man on DUI and Reckless Driving charges
On March 9, 2025, at 1:56 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Levi Sims conducted a traffic stop on a Red 2019 Dodge Charger for traveling in excess of 100 mph on US 41 near Steelman Chapel Road. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Sims identified the driver as 34 year old Dominik Major of Evansville. While speaking with Mr. Major Deputy Sims detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver and began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation he placed Mr. Major into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/ Refusal (Prior) and Reckless Driving.
Assisting Deputy Sims in his investigation was Princeton Officer Logan Lashbrook.
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 arrest of Princeton man
On March 8, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. Gibson County Sgt. Loren Barchett conducted a traffic stop on a White 2013 Nissan Murano for traveling on Main Street in Princeton with no headlights on. Upon stopping the vehicle at Main and Broadway Sgt. Barchett identified the driver as 32 year old Christian Morales of Princeton. During a roadside investigation it was determined that Mr. Morales was operating his vehicle without ever receiving a valid U.S. license. At that point Mr. Morales was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operator Never Licensed.
Assisting Sgt. Barchett in his investigation were Princeton Officers David Jones and Matthew Perry.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
