Detectives from the Investigations Unit were called to the scene at approximately 9:14 p.m. in the area of 8th Street NW, following a request for assistance from the Linton Police Department. The Greene County Coroner’s Office and Crime Scene Investigators also assisted with the initial investigation.

The preliminary findings indicate that there is no threat to the community, according to the Indiana State Police. Autopsies are pending as the matter remains under investigation.

For more information about Indiana State Police, visit www.in.gov/isp.

The post ISP Investigates Fatal Shooting in Linton appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Troopers deployed K-9 units during the patrol, which was designed to identify impaired drivers, aggressive driving behaviors, criminal activity, and ensure compliance among commercial motor vehicles. Officers also provided assistance to motorists experiencing difficulties on the roadways.

The focused enforcement resulted in a significant number of citations and arrests. A total of 57 traffic citations were issued alongside 146 warnings. Indiana State Police troopers made 15 criminal arrests, including one for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Four K-9 unit searches led to the arrest of an individual on methamphetamine-related charges.

Beyond enforcement actions, troopers assisted 25 stranded motorists and conducted six commercial motor vehicle inspections, with one vehicle deemed unsafe and taken out of service.

“Directed patrols such as this allow troopers to focus resources where they can have the greatest impact on public safety,” stated a spokesperson for the Indiana State Police. The department emphasized its commitment to proactive enforcement strategies.

Motorists are reminded to adhere to all traffic laws, avoid impaired driving, and remain vigilant while navigating work zones and high-traffic areas. The Indiana State Police Pendleton District plans to continue these targeted patrols throughout the coming month.

The post Indiana State Police Target Criminal Activity with Patrol appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

The Indiana State Police have announced a partnership with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to participate in CVSA’s annual Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, January 12-16, 2026. The initiative focuses on leveraging commercial motor vehicle drivers to identify potential human trafficking situations.

During the initiative, ISP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) units will engage with CMV drivers during routine roadside inspections. These interactions include distributing informational materials from Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). CVSA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is being conducted across North America: the United States, January 12-16, 2026; Canada, February 23-27, 2026; and Mexico, March 16-20, 2026.

According to the United Nations, human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception for exploitation.

The CVSA notes that commercial motor vehicle drivers are often in locations where human trafficking may occur, including truck stops and rest areas. Over 40% of reported human trafficking cases involving victims identified by truck drivers have involved minors.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative is a component of CVSA’s broader Human Trafficking Prevention Program, which seeks to reduce trafficking through coordinated enforcement, investigation, and awareness measures within the commercial motor vehicle industry. CVSA collaborates with TAT to engage and educate the trucking sector. Approximately 2.5 million professionals in the trucking industry have received training from TAT.

Additional information regarding human trafficking awareness, recognition, and prevention is available on CVSA’s Human Trafficking Resources page.

The post ISP Partners in Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

The inmate has been identified as 61-year-old David Scott Elliott of Georgetown, Indiana. He was transported to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Salem, where he was pronounced deceased. Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller requested assistance from the ISP, and Detective Travis Baker was assigned to lead the investigation.

At this time, investigators do not suspect foul play was involved in the death; however, the case remains open pending results from an autopsy scheduled for Monday. The family of David Scott Elliott has been notified of his passing.

The post ISP Investigates Inmate Death in Salem appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — An off-duty Indiana State Police trooper arrested two individuals for shoplifting at a Home Depot in New Albany on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, after bystanders reported the theft.

At approximately 12:55 p.m., off-duty Trooper Philip Hensley parked in his marked police vehicle at the State Street Home Depot and was approached by multiple individuals who reported a man and woman had stolen items and were loading them into a red Ford F150. Hensley observed the suspects, identified as Carl Edward Estelle Jr., 66, and Casey Tysha Billingsley, 46, both of Louisville, Kentucky, placing items in the truck.

Hensley activated his emergency lights, approached the vehicle, and detained Estelle. His ensuing investigation involved discussions with Estelle, Billingsley, and store employees and a review of surveillance video. He also observed three 30-inch interior slab doors and construction equipment in the truck, allegedly taken without payment.

A records check revealed Billingsley had active warrants from Clark County, Indiana, for possession of paraphernalia and false informing, and from Louisville Metro Police for shoplifting. A search of her purse revealed a ceramic smoking device with burnt residue and three prescription pill bottles containing non-prescribed medications.

Estelle was charged with theft and lodged in the Floyd County Jail. Billingsley was charged with theft, three counts of possession of a legend drug, and possession of paraphernalia with a prior conviction, and was also lodged in the Floyd County Jail.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Two Arrested for Shoplifting by Off Duty Trooper appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

A warrant was issued this afternoon for his arrest. Fiscus was incarcerated in the Edgar County Jail in Illinois for an unrelated incident. He is currently being detained in the Edgar County Jail and waiting for extradition.

Arrested and Charged:

• Jonathan Fiscus, 24, Oakland City, IN
  1. Murder

An autopsy is still scheduled for Saturday.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

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

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Oakland City Murder Suspect Arrested appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

The driver was identified as Trinity Duncan, 21, of Evansville. She also displayed signs of impairment.

The passenger was identified as her boyfriend, Christopher Conlee, 23, of Evansville.

Trooper Hurley also observed their two small children in the rear passenger seat.

A loaded pistol with a 30-round magazine was also located on the floor in the rear passenger area.

Further investigation concluded that Duncan was intoxicated.

Duncan and Conlee were both transported to the Gibson County Jail where they are currently being held on bond. The Indiana Department of Child Services took custody of the two children. Toxicology is pending.

Arrested and Charges:

• Trinity Duncan, 21, Evansville

1. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Passenger Less than 18 years of age, Level 6 Felony
2. Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony
3. Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
4. Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

• Christopher Conlee, 23, Evansville

1. Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony
2. Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
3. Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Tanner Hurley, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Trooper Cummings and Trooper Kincaid

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

The post ISP: Evansville Parents Arrested for Neglect after Traffic Stop on I-69 appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Key statistics from the weekend’s patrols include:

• 333 Traffic Stops
• 6 Arrests for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI)
• 9 Drug-Related Arrests
• 18 Driving While Suspended Prior/Operating Without Ever Receiving a License
• 3 Warrant Arrests
• 2 Vehicle Accident Reports

The Indiana State Police is unwavering in its commitment to promoting traffic safety. We will continue to conduct saturation patrols, a crucial part of our strategy to detect and apprehend impaired drivers. We request the public to play their part by prioritizing safety, whether it’s designating a sober driver or using ride-sharing services when necessary.

To report a suspected impaired driver, please call 9-1-1. When contacting emergency services, please provide detailed information about the vehicle, its location, and the direction of travel to facilitate prompt intervention by law enforcement personnel.

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

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Peru District Weekend Stats for 2025 Week 10 appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Detectives with the Indiana State Police – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) in Sellersburg began an investigation in December of 2024 after receiving a cyber tip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cyber tip report indicated that a specific account was possibly used to transmit child pornography images or video files.  

On Tuesday, acting on information gathered in the initial investigation, detectives conducted a traffic stop on 26-year-old Trevor Lee Slaughter, of Otisco, Indiana, while Slaughter was driving in downtown Clarksville. A search warrant obtained in reference to the investigation was served at the time of the traffic stop. After the stop and ensuing investigation, detectives with the ISP ICAC task force arrested Trevor Slaughter on thirty preliminary charges of possession of child pornography. Each of the initial charges is a level 5 Felony. Trevor Slaughter was transported to the Clark County Jail without further incident.

All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Southern Indiana Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

GoGo Travel Consulting LLC falsely represented itself by using the identity of an Indiana-licensed real estate broker without his knowledge or consent, the lawsuit alleges, as part of a scheme to hoodwink consumers into believing they were engaging with a legitimate travel consulting service attempting to broker timeshare rental or purchase agreements. 

“As we work to protect Hoosiers, we will continue holding accountable those who engage in these kinds of illegal shakedowns,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of timeshare fraud to contact our office immediately.”

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to timeshare scams, which often involve high-pressure sales tactics that include bogus claims of having ready buyers for timeshare properties. Victims are typically asked to pay upfront fees for supposed taxes or closing costs, only to find that the promised transactions never occur.  

Attorney General Rokita filed the lawsuit through his Homeowner Protection Unit (HPU), which is part of the office’s Consumer Protection Division. 

HPU’s investigation revealed that the phone number utilized by GoGo Travel, which was spoofed to appear as a number originating from southern Indiana, was ultimately linked to two Mexican nationals living in Puerto Vallarta who are alleged to be conspirators in the fraudulent scheme.     

In conjunction with this legal action, the Attorney General’s office is raising awareness about the broader issue of timeshare fraud, which is often linked to organized crime. According to a joint notice by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), timeshare fraud schemes are frequently perpetrated by Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations. These organizations use the proceeds from such fraud to fund other criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. 

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General about any suspected scams or scam attempts. Consumers may file a complaint by visiting indianaconsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.  

SOURCE: Indiana Attorney General

The post Rokita: Jasper-based Travel Company and Mexican Nationals Deceived Consumers appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

During the traffic stop, Trooper Council, along with Trooper James Williams, made several observations that led them to initiate an O.W.I. investigation.

During the investigation, a search of the subject resulted in additional suspected narcotics being located in his pockets.

A Glock model 23 .40 caliber handgun, that had been modified with a switch, was also located under the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

The driver was subsequently transported to the Lake County Jail for a certified breath test but later transported to Southlake Methodist Hospital where a warrant was requested and granted by a Lake County judge for a blood draw. That warrant was executed at the hospital and the subject was then incarcerated at the Lake County Jail.

The driver, Lorenzo V. Watkins, 30, from Gary, IN, has been preliminarily charged with the following offenses:

• Possession of a Machine Gun- Level 5 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine with an Enhancing Circumstance- Level 5 Felony
• Possession of a Controlled Substance with an Enhancing Circumstance- Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine- Level 6 Felony
• Unlawful Possession of a Legend Drug- Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent- Level 6 Felony
• O.W.I. Endangering a Person- Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of a Controlled Substance Schedule I, II, III, or IV- Class A Misdemeanor
• Operating While Intoxicated- Class C Misdemeanor
• Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License- Class C Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor

A report was also filed with the Department of Child Services as there was a juvenile in the vehicle. The child was turned over to a family member at the scene of the traffic stop.

All suspects are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Gary Man Faces 11 Criminal Charges After Traffic Stop appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Indianapolis, Ind. — An Indiana physician accused of sexually touching five women during their appointments will remain without his medical license following the reversal of a lower court’s decision to restore it. 

Attorney General Todd Rokita’s team first brought charges against the medical license of Dr. James Jenison, who practiced in Evansville, in 2022. 

“From the moment we saw the evidence, we fought for the revocation of this doctor’s license,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Dr. Jenison’s actions violated a sacred trust, and our office stood up for Hoosier women by working to prevent him from having the opportunity to assault more patients in the future.” 

In February 2023, the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana revoked Dr. Jenison’s medical license following a hearing, which concluded that he had inappropriately touched five women while providing them with medical services. 

The board also found that Dr. Jenison prescribed controlled substances without an active-controlled substances registration and committed fraud or material deception in order to obtain a license to practice medicine.  

In May 2024, a trial court found that the State had not met the burden required to result in the revocation of Dr. Jenison’s license, but the Indiana Court of Appeals corrected this error on Feb. 26, 2025, by ordering that the trial court’s decision be reversed. 

The Court of Appeals held that “the State presented substantial evidence to support its findings that Dr. Jenison had engaged in lewd or immoral conduct in connection with the delivery of services. In concluding otherwise, the trial court improperly reweighed the evidence and judged the credibility of witnesses.” 

The appeals court also upheld the State’s findings pertaining to prescribing controlled substances and engaging in fraud. 

Attorney General Rokita thanked staff members from three of his office’s sections for their collaborative work on this case — Administrative and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation, Civil Appeals, and Licensing Enforcement. 

SOURCE: Indiana Attorney General

The post Evansville physician accused of sexually touchingwomen will remain without medical license appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

This patrol began at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and concluded at 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning and resulted in:

• 41 traffic citations
• 46 warnings
• 8 OWI arrests
• 5 felony arrests
• 35 misdemeanor arrests
• 10 drug arrests

The Indiana State Police will continue to have high visibility, focused patrols throughout the communities we work in. The goal of these patrols is to use proactive enforcement, investigative efforts, and crime prevention efforts to make our communities safer for everyone.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Bremen Post Weekend Results (March 8-9, 2025) appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

The investigation originated from a cybertip report received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and was initially pursued by the Blackford County Sheriff’s Office. When detectives determined the alleged criminal activity was centered in Jay County, the case was transferred to the Indiana State Police for further investigation.

Throughout a five-month investigation, detectives identified a suspect residing near the 800 block of East Race Street in Portland who was believed to be in possession of child pornography. Upon executing a search warrant at the residence, authorities discovered and seized narcotic drugs, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

During the operation, detectives arrested Robert John McFarland of Portland, who was present at the scene.

Further investigation revealed that McFarland was employed as the EMS Director for Jay County EMS and served as a volunteer teacher with the Jay County School Corporation.

McFarland was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jay County Jail. He faces the following preliminary charges:

• Possession of a Narcotic Drug – Level 5 Felony (IC 35-48-4-6(b)(1))
• Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe or Needle – Level 6 Felony (IC 16-42-19-18)
• Theft – Level 6 Felony (IC 35-43-4-2(1)(A))
• Official Misconduct – Level 6 Felony (IC 35-44.1-1-1)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor (IC 35-48-4-8.3)
• Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor (IC 35-48-4-11)

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. There is no further information to release at this time.

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

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Portland Man Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Key statistics from the weekend’s patrols include:

• 101 Traffic Stops
• 5 Arrests for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI)
• 2 Drug-Related Arrests
• 4 Driving While Suspended Prior/Operating Without Ever Receiving a License
• 1 Warrant Arrest

The Indiana State Police is unwavering in its commitment to promoting traffic safety. ISP will continue to conduct saturation patrols, a crucial part of our strategy to detect and apprehend impaired drivers. They request the public to play their part by prioritizing safety, whether designating a sober driver or using ride-sharing services when necessary.

To report a suspected impaired driver, please call 9-1-1. When contacting emergency services, please provide detailed information about the vehicle, its location, and the direction of travel to facilitate prompt intervention by law enforcement personnel.

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

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Peru District Weekend Stats for 2025 Week 9 appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Around 2:30 Thursday morning, Austin Police and Scott County deputies contacted ISP after locating a man and a woman near the side of York Road, a rural county road just west of Austin, Indiana. Both individuals were taken to Louisville hospitals for apparent stab and knife wounds. Authorities also observed an unoccupied vehicle nearby. A call to 911 first alerted the police to the possibility of an incident.

Following their initial investigation, ISP Detectives believe the male subject, 22-year-old Nicholas Braydan Atwood, of Vallonia, Indiana, repeatedly stabbed his female companion after the two went driving together in rural southern Indiana. After receiving medical treatment, Atwood was arrested by ISP detectives and is currently held at the Scott County Jail. The female victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

This is an ongoing investigation, and further charges are possible.

Austin Police and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department assisted ISP detectives in this investigation.

All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Southern Indiana Man Arrested for Attempted Murder appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Special Prosecutor’s Statement: Jasper County Officer-Involved Shooting appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

On February 20, 2025, the investigators, which included Indiana State Police SWAT, the Bluffton Police Department, and the FBI, served a search warrant at an address on Franklin Ave in Fort Wayne, Indiana. While serving the warrant, another victim of human trafficking was recovered. The victim was offered services and medical attention. During the investigation at the Fort Wayne address detectives also found an amount of suspected fentanyl.

With the cooperation of the initial victim, it was determined that Leticia Granados and Harley Cooley were involved in online solicitation of the child and themselves. It was also discovered that there are other victims involved.

Indiana State Police is actively seeking out other victims. If anyone has information involving Leticia Granados or Harley Cooley having contact with victims for sex trafficking, please contact the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post at 260-432-8661.

Leticia Granados (21) of Fort Wayne was arrested for:

• Promotion of Human Sex Trafficking of a Child a Level 3 Felony—2 Counts.
• Child Exploitation-Production of Child Pornography Level 5 Felony—1 Count.

Harley Cooley (20) of Fort Wayne was arrested for:

• Promotion of Human Sex Trafficking of a Child a Level 3 Felony—2 Counts.
• Child Exploitation-Production of Child Pornography Level 5 Felony—1 Count.

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

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Fort Wayne Women Arrested on Human Trafficking Charges appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

After reviewing the investigation, Putnam County Prosecutor Timothy Bookwalter requested an arrest warrant for Burks. Last night, February 25, 2025, Deputy Elisha Mcginnis of the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department arrested Burks on an active warrant. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hendricks County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing, and this is all available information for release.

Arrested: Tywaun Burks, 40, Avon, IN

• Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony
• Theft, Level 5 Felony

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Former Roachdale Town Marshall Arrested appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

The two suspects have been identified as Cain M. Knaus, 26, from Walshville, IL, and Stephanie V. Raices, (also known as Victor M. Zarate) 34, from Chicago, Illinois, and Bronx, New York. Knaus had an active warrant for a parole violation through the Illinois Department of Corrections. Both subjects were transported to the Lake County Jail. 

The following charges were submitted to and approved by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office:

• Armed Robbery- Level 3 Felony
• Robbery- Level 5 Felony
• Auto Theft- Level 6 Felony
• Battery- Class B Misdemeanor
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash- Class B Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving- Class C Misdemeanor

The above charges are accusations of a crime. Additional investigation is being conducted to determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless convicted in court.

The Indiana State Police were assisted by the following agencies in this investigation: Merrillville Police and Fire Departments, Hobart Police, Lake County Dispatch, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police Criminal Investigations Division, and the Indiana State Police C.S.I.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Two Arrested for Carjacking After Crashing on I-65 appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

(A) trooper with (the) Indianapolis Post and drug enforcement section served a search warrant in Hamilton County. ISP seized an estimated 7,000 hemp plants from an unlicensed hemp grower.

Agricultural Hemp Is Legal in Indiana

From the Indiana State Department of Agriculture:

The Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) is responsible for the licensing of agricultural hemp growers, handlers, and seed producers. Please visit the OISC’s Hemp Resources page for more information.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and provided a federal framework for industrial hemp production. Under this framework, states desiring to regulate industrial hemp must have a state hemp plan that has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the Indiana State Hemp Plan for commercially growing and processing hemp.

The Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC) is located at Purdue University at 175 S. University St., W. Lafayette, IN 47907-2063.

SOURCES: Indiana State Police and Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

The post ISP: 7,000 Hemp Plants Seized in Hamilton County appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Shortly after 10:00 pm last evening, Officers from the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, North Vernon Police Department, and Indiana State Police responded to an address in the 4000 Block of East Private Road 450 South in southern Jennings County after receiving reports of shots being fired. 

Officers arrived and located a deceased male who had been shot, later identified as Robert “Matthew” Montgomery, age 53, lying outside of the residence.  Officers were able to get the alleged suspect, Conner M. Montgomery, age 30, to exit the residence where he was taken into custody.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Conner was at the residence with an adult female and two children when an altercation occurred where he pointed a gun at her and fired it inside of the home.  When the female attempted to leave the home, Conner shot her vehicle, disabling it.  Conner’s father, Robert Montgomery, was called to the scene before law enforcement was notified.  When he arrived, Conner allegedly shot him while he stood outside of the home.

Conner Montgomery was arrested on initial charges of murder, criminal confinement with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, domestic battery (in the presence of minors), neglect of a dependent, and pointing a firearm.

He was incarcerated in the Jennings County Jail pending an initial appearance in the Jennings County Circuit Court.     

Detectives Ian McPherson, Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, and Vincent Scott, Indiana State Police-Versailles Post, are leading the investigation with the assistance of the North Vernon Police Department, Jennings County Coroner’s Office, and Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Jennings County Man Arrested for Murder appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP Investigate Officer Involved Shooting in Jasper County appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

In April of 2024, ISP Detective Travis Baker met with the Washington County Child Support Administrator, who said she received emails stating Jeffrey Lynn Bell Jr. had passed away. The emails related that due to Mr. Bell’s death, a large amount of child support owed by Bell would go unpaid. Detective Baker was also informed that Jeffrey Bell was allegedly still living and staying at a residence in northern Washington County with his girlfriend.  

Soon after, Detective Baker responded to the possible residence and encountered a man who Baker would eventually identify as Jeffrey Bell Jr., despite initial claims to the contrary.  As a result of this investigation, the Washington County Prosecutor initially charged Jeffrey Bell with False Informing and provided an initial court date.  

On Thursday, January 23rd, Jeffrey Bell Jr. appeared in the Washington County Circuit Court via a virtual online meeting regarding the False Informing charges.  Bell made his court appearance virtually instead of an in-person meeting due to allegedly being out of the state.  However, during the online court proceedings, officials came to believe Jeffrey Bell was still in Indiana and attending the virtual meeting from the same Washington County residence where Detective Baker had initially contacted Bell. 

Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the residence while the virtual meeting was ongoing.  Information gained at the house after the officer’s arrival confirmed Jeffrey Bell Jr. was inside the residence and not out of state, prompting presiding Judge Larry Medlock to order Bell taken into custody and transported immediately to his courtroom.  

As a result of his actions, Jeffrey Bell Jr. is currently charged with three counts of Failing to Appear, one count of False Informing, and one count of Contempt of Court.  Jeffrey Bell was incarcerated in the Washington County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 bond for the False Informing charge and without bond for two of the Failure to Appear charges and the Contempt charge.  Bell is held on a $500 bond for one of the Failure to Appear charges.

All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

The post Washington County Man Arrested for False Informing, Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Preliminary investigations by Indiana State Police detectives revealed that earlier this morning, at approximately 12:23 a.m., deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 3000 block of W. County Road 500 S. regarding a report of two individuals who had been stabbed.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered one victim and began administering life-saving measures. While retrieving additional medical supplies from their patrol vehicle, a deputy spotted a man identified as Christopher S. Evans, 35, of Logansport, IN, armed with knives. The deputy issued several commands to Mr. Evans, but he failed to comply, leading to an altercation. Mr. Evans charged at the deputy, who retreated into an adjacent field. The deputy subsequently discharged their weapon, striking Mr. Evans at least once.

Despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Evans succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Notification to Evan’s family has been made. One victim remains in critical but stable condition, while the other victim’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

No deputies were injured during the incident. The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office following an officer-involved shooting.

The Indiana State Police is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Carroll County Coroner’s Office and the Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office.

Any questions about the deputies involved should be directed to the Cass County Sheriff.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to the Carroll County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

SOUFRCE: Indiana State Police

The post ISP: Logansport Man Shot by Officer appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.