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Crime

FYI: A Police V8 Hemi can Catch a 2002 Acura

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Gary, Lake County – Early this morning, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Trooper William Carlson was sitting stationary on the inner shoulder eastbound on I-80/94 eastbound near Burr Street (6-mile marker).  Carlson was in a fully marked police car when he was able to use his speed timing device and clock the car at 116 miles-per-hour in a well posted 55 mile-per-hour speed zone.

The car, a 2002 Acura, began to increase his speed as Carlson pulled out to catch up with the vehicle.  The Acura sped up to 140 miles-per-hour, it began weaving in and out of traffic even though the traffic was light, and passed cars on the outside shoulder on two separate occasions.

The Acura finally came to stop at the 13.5-mile marker (Central Avenue) and the driver, Dino Lorenzo Gagliano, 20 of Dyer, was taken into custody.  Gagliano stated he was worried about his license but believed that State Police cars had V6 engines and was surprised when Trooper Carlson was able to catch up so quickly.

Gagliano was taken and incarcerated at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point.

Charges:

  • Resisting Law Enforcement-Level 6 Felony
  • Reckless Driving-Class B Misdemeanor
  • Driving with a Suspended License-infraction
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe Lane Movement
  • Failure to Signal Lane Changes

Assisting:  Sergeants Dan Avitia, Dwayne Dillahunty, Troopers Runyon, Rosillo and Beers, and Double T Towing

The picture is of the Acura, a photo of Gagliano may be obtained by contacting the Lake County Jail

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]

ISP Investigating Fayette County Officer Involved Shooting

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 08/13/2017 07:52 AM EDT

Connersville – The Indiana State Police State Police Pendleton District has been asked by the Connersville Police Department and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department to investigate an incident involving shots fired by their officers Saturday evening.

The early investigation shows that just before 10 p.m. Saturday night, a call came into Fayette County Dispatch of a fight in the backyard of the residence at 2036 Indiana Ave. in Connersville. A deputy and city officer arrived, and as they walked up to the house a male came around the rear corner of the home, from the backyard, with a 12 gauge shotgun.

A short confrontation occurred and officers fired at the subject, who was not hit. The man, Jason Combs, age 29, retreated into the residence, but came out a short time later and surrendered to officers. Combs was arrested by Connersville Police and lodged in the Fayette County Jail.

For questions reference Comb’s arrest and charges, please contact the Connersville City Police Department or the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. This is all the information available on the shooting at this time, as the investigation remains ongoing.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.

Stephen Jonas, 35, Salem, Charged With Drug Dealing & Posession

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 08/13/2017 12:49 AM EDT

SALEM – Saturday afternoon, troopers Zach Smith and Brett Walters from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg were flagged down by a citizen and advised of two suspicious male subjects at the Dollar General Store in Salem. When the troopers responded they began to investigate and after surveilling the parking lot they noticed a male subject, later identified as Stephen Jonas, go around the store to the rear of the building. Troopers made contact with him and later discovered controlled substance, needles, and paraphernalia in the area where he was located.

Stephen Jonas was placed under arrest and during the impounding of the vehicle, he was in possession of, troopers located multiple baggies and needles.

Stephen Jonas, 35, from Teresa Street in Salem, was charged with Dealing in Cocaine, Dealing in Heroin, Dealing in Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Syringe, Possession of a Legend Drug and Possession of Paraphernalia.

He was incarcerated at the Washington County Jail awaiting his first court appearance. This investigation is continuing.

All Subjects are Innocent Until and Unless Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.

Stephanie J. Lee, 26, of Muncie, Arrested on Warrants & Meth Possession

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 07/12/2017 09:58 AM EDT

Muncie – A traffic stop for a speeding offense last night led to the discovery of Methamphetamine and a wanted subject. Last evening just after 6 p.m. Trooper Thomas Harbison clocked a white car east bound on SR332 at CR 700 W at 72 M.P.H. in the 55 M.P.H. zone.

Harbison got the car stopped and made contact with the driver, Stephanie J. Lee, age 26 of Muncie. As he spoke to the driver and her passenger, Harbison recognized the two from a previous investigation. Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Parks was nearby and came to assist with his K-9 partner “Sabo.”

Sabo was walked around the outside of the vehicle and indicated the presence of narcotics. A search of the car turned up Methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed that Stephanie Lee was wanted on a warrant for Battery out of Marion County, and a warrant for Operating While Intoxicated and Driving While Suspended out of Muncie City Court.

Lee was arrested and transported to the Delaware County Jail for the two warrants, as well as being charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine. In addition she was issued traffic tickets for Speeding, Driving While License Suspended and Operating a car with False and Fictitious Registration Plates. As the saying goes, “criminals drive cars too,” and this arrest demonstrates how a “routine” traffic stop often leads troopers to other criminal activity when they “look beyond the ticket.”

Anyone with information about illegal drug use is encouraged to call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous. The Indiana Meth Investigation System or IMIS, can also take tips on meth labs. Just go to www.meth.in.gov and click on the “Report Suspected Meth Activity” Link.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Justin Dennis Altwein, 25 of Wausaukee, WI, Arrested After I-65 Altercation

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 07/06/2017 01:42 PM EDT

Tippecanoe County – Today at approximately 10:15 a.m. on I-65 southbound near the 200-mile marker (that is near the White/Jasper County Line, US 24/201 Exit), an altercation allegedly involving a gun occurred between two drivers with one ending up in jail.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Ben Rector has revealed the driver of a white 2013 Ford Focus had allegedly pointed a gun at the driver of a white semi as they were both traveling SB on I-65. The driver of the semi called the police to report the incident. He gave a description of the vehicle and troopers from the ISP post at Lafayette located the vehicle traveling SB near the 184 MM.

The vehicle exited at the SR 43/178 exit and troopers pulled the vehicle over. The driver exited the vehicle, made verbal and hand gestures to the troopers and took off running. Master Trooper Aaron McCormick and Trooper Nathan Hampton took off on foot in pursuit of the male subject. They chased him through the woods, then into a corn field and ended up in a bean field where he was apprehended by McCormick. The foot pursuit lasted about five minutes and was about a mile and a half in length.

The suspect and driver of the Focus was identified as Justin Dennis Altwein, 25 of Wausaukee, WI. He is being booked into the Tippecanoe County Jail on charges of a Felon in Possession of a Handgun and Resisting Law Enforcement. Other charges may be pending out of Jasper County. At this time, the female passenger in the Ford Focus is not being charged with any crime.

Trooper Rector was assisted by several troopers from the ISP Lafayette Post, Troopers from the Commercial Motor Carrier Section, Officers with the DNR and Jim’s Towing.

Suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ISP Looking for Ford Pickup in Hit and Run near Noble/DeKalb County

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 07/06/2017 08:04 AM EDT

Noble County, IN – The Indiana State Police are investigating a hit and run crash which occurred early this morning outside of Avilla involving an adult female bicyclist and police searching for a full-sized Ford pickup truck.

Preliminary investigation conducted by Trooper John Silver indicated at approximately 6:50 a.m., a dark gray or charcoal colored Ford pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Baseline Road near County Road 1100 E, which is one mile west of the Noble/DeKalb County Line. The vehicle purportedly side-swiped a bicycle ridden by a 42 year old female from Avilla and continued eastbound towards DeKalb County.

The truck is reported as being full-sized, extended cab with a tool box in the rear and a lift kit which has it sitting higher than a normal full-sized truck. The passenger side mirror is missing, but the mirror assembly was still attached. The bicyclist was not injured.

Silver is asking anyone with information about the truck and/or its driver to contact the State Police Post in Fort Wayne at either (260) 432-8661 or (800) 552-0976.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.

Eddie Vance, 57, of Muncie, Arrested for Fleeing, Drug Possession, DUI, Battery on an Officer, and 9 Warrants

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Delaware County – Indiana Conservation Officers arrested Eddie Vance, 57, of Muncie, yesterday on multiple charges after he attempted to flee when officers initiated a traffic stop.

Conservation Officers Jordan Brand and Rhett Braun observed Vance operating a moped with no license plate in the area of Jackson St. and Ohio Ave. in Muncie. When the officers turned on their emergency lights and siren to initiate the stop, Vance crashed the moped and fled on foot.

When the officers caught Vance, he fought with them, biting one of the officers. A taser was used twice with no effect. Two anonymous citizens stepped in to help the officers subdue Vance. Vance was found to be in possession of cocaine and heroin.

Vance had received only minor scrapes, but was transported to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital to be checked for injuries and for a blood draw, before being booked into the Delaware County Jail.

Preliminary charges include driving under the influence of drugs, resisting law enforcement, battery on law enforcement, possession of cocaine, and possession of heroin. Vance also had 9 active warrants.

Indiana Conservation Officers wish to thank the anonymous citizens who came to their aid during the struggle.

 

SOURCE: Indiana DNR Law Enforcement District 4

Kristina Curry & Matthew Ross, Both 33, Busted with Illegal Ginseng

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 4:25 PM

Indiana Conservation Officers are pursuing charges of possession of illegal ginseng after stopping a canoe on Lake Monroe. On Sunday, June 4th, 2017, Conservation Officers Stine and Noble initiated a boat stop on a canoe for appearing to not possess a lake use permit.

Kristina Curry (33) covered something behind her in the canoe when she saw the ICO’s approach. Officer Stine and Noble discovered Curry and the passenger, Matthew Ross (33) were attempting to hide ginseng.

Curry and Ross admitted to digging the ginseng on state property and having more at their campsite and residence. They consented to a search of their vehicle, campsite in Paynetown State Recreation Area and their residence in Bloomington.

Overall, 7 ginseng plants, 2 ginseng roots, and other various roots were located and seized as evidence.

Ginseng is a plant that is dug for its root. Ginseng can be legally harvested from September 1-December 31 of each year. Ginseng must be sold to a licensed ginseng dealer or disposed of prior to March 31 of the following year. It is illegal to dig Ginseng on state property.

Curry and Ross are being charged with possession of ginseng out of season and digging ginseng on state property. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SOURCE: Indiana DNR Law Enforcement District 6

Anthony J. Wallace Leaves Crash Scene, Spends 33rd Birthday in Jail

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/08/2017 10:11 AM EDT

Madison County – A Markleville man was arrested last evening after he caused a crash on I-69 and fled the scene. The crash occurred around 5 pm. in the northbound passing lane of I-69 around the 220-mile marker. A northbound 2001 Ford Taurus, driven by Anthony J. Wallace, age 33, crashed into the rear of a 2007 Ford being driven by Mary Couch of Muncie.

Both vehicles ended up crashed in the median. When firefighters arrived Anthony Wallace, whose birthday was yesterday, (6/7) lied to firefighters giving them an incorrect name. He then got into his car and left the scene as firefighters attended to Couch, who was transported from the scene by EMS with minor, non-life threatening injuries.

Trooper Lee Tinch responded to the scene, and with the help of Troopers Cook, Harvey and Ridgway, later located and arrested Wallace at a residence on Madison County Road West 300 North. It was discovered that Wallace was wanted on a Madison County Warrant for Failure to Appear for Driving While Suspended.

Troopers lodged Wallace for the warrant, and also charged him with misdemeanor Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Crash; Driving While License Suspended and Failure to Provide Identify- providing a False Identity Statement.

Wallace, who was also issued a ticket for Following Too Closely, was lodged in the Madison County Jail. Trooper Tinch was assisted at the scene by Troopers Cook, Harvey and Ridgway, and by Pendleton Fire and EMS units.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Three Found Dead in Washington County; Suspect Richard Lee Burton, Jr. Found Dead in Vehicle

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UPDATE: Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/05/2017 10:53 AM EDT

Washington County – This morning shortly after 8:00 am, the Monroe County, IN Sheriff’s Department received a tip that Richard Lee Burton, Jr’s vehicle was parked at the Blackwell Horse Camp in Monroe County near State Road #446. When deputies approached the vehicle they found a body believed to be that of Richard Lee Burton, Jr. deceased in his vehicle. The official confirmation of identification on Richard Lee Burton, Jr will be made by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office.

This investigation is continuing but, information discovered from last night’s investigation by Indiana State Police Detectives lead investigators to believe Richard Lee Burton, Jr. was responsible for the deaths of all three victims located inside of the residence at 5882 South Beck’s Mill Road in rural Washington County. If information is discovered that changes this belief, Indiana State Police Detectives will obviously follow those leads.

The cause of death to Richard Lee Burton, Jr will be released by the Monroe County Coroner. The information on the identities and causes of death to the three bodies located on Beck’s Mill Road will not be released until the autopsies are completed in Salem tomorrow morning.

A news briefing will be held by me at the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg at 12:30 pm on today’s date. The briefing will take place inside of the post in the training room. No interviews will be conducted or further information will be released until this briefing.

Below is a copy the original news release.

Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/05/2017 12:29 AM EDT

Washington County – Around 4:30 pm on Sunday, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department did a welfare check at a residence located at 5882 South Beck’s Mill Road, in rural Washington County, (approximately fourteen miles from the City of Salem). The welfare check was the result of a phone call with the caller being worried about the well-being of the occupants of the residence.

When a deputy arrived at the residence and upon knocking on the door he noticed a deceased person inside of the residence. Other police officers arrived at the scene and a search of the residence was completed with officers locating two other bodies inside of the home.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of Indiana State Police Detectives and Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators who have assumed the investigation.

At this time, officers are looking for a person of interest in this investigation. Officers are looking for Richard Lee Burton, Junior, a 47-year-old white male. He has long brown hair, sometimes worn in a ponytail, 5’-09” tall with blue eyes. Richard Lee Burton was residing at the residence where the crime took place. Two photos of Richard Lee Burton Jr. are attached to this release.

Information received during the initial investigation reveals Richard Lee Burton, Jr. could be involved in the deaths or could know something about the deaths of the three deceased victims inside of the home. He should also be considered armed and dangerous.

Initial information also leads officers to believe Richard Lee Burton, Jr. could be en route to the states of Tennessee, Missouri or Texas. He is believed to be driving a blue 1997 Dodge Ram 4×4 2500 extended cab pickup truck. The truck could possibly have a black or dark blue camper shell. The vehicle should be bearing Indiana license plate, TK641MUK. An actual photo of the vehicle is attached to this release.

If anyone knows the location of Richard Lee Burton, Jr or sees him or his vehicle, they should contact 911 immediately.

The identities of the victims and their causes of death will not be released until autopsies are performed in Salem, Indiana. These autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday morning.

This investigation is continuing with no further information available for release at this time.

All Subjects are Innocent Until and Unless Proven Guilty in a Court of Law