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Indiana State Police

Lieutenant Mark R. Davis Promoted to Captain at Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

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Monday, February 27, 2017, 2:11 PM

On February 23, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter promoted Lieutenant Mark R. Davis to the rank of captain to serve as assistant commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing both state and federal regulations on all commercial motor vehicles.

Davis is a native of Fort Wayne and a 1973 graduate of Fort Wayne Northside High School. He attended Ball State University and graduated in 1979 with a BS in Criminal Justice.

Davis began his law enforcement career in 1983 upon graduation from the 41st Indiana State Police Academy.  He was assigned to the Lowell Post and patrolled Jasper and Newton Counties.  In 1987 he transferred to the Seymour Post.  In 1992, Davis was promoted to Squad Sergeant and supervised troopers in Bartholomew, Jackson and Jennings Counties. August 2003, he was promoted to Lieutenant to serve as commander of the Seymour District. Upon the closing of Seymour he transferred to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division to serve as Lieutenant.

Captain Davis will be the Assistant Division Commander for the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division. He will be the assistant commander to 120 employees, both enforcement and civilian, statewide.

Captain Davis resides with his wife, LuAnn in Bartholomew County.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

Captain Jon Smithers Promoted to Major at Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

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Monday, February 27, 2017, 2:07 PM

On February 23, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter promoted Captain Jon Smithers to the rank of Major to serve as commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing both state and federal regulations on all commercial motor vehicles.

Smithers is a native of Indianapolis and a 1984 graduate of Southport High School. He attended Ball State University and graduated with a BS in Business in 1988.


Smithers began his law enforcement career in 1994 upon graduation from the 51st Indiana State Police Academy.  He was assigned to the Indianapolis Post and patrolled Marion County.  In February 2000, Smithers was promoted to Squad Sergeant and supervised troopers in Marion County. September 2008, he was promoted to First Sergeant to serve as assistant commander of the Indianapolis District. August 2011 he was promoted to Lieutenant to serve as commander of the Indianapolis District.

In November, 2013 Smithers was transferred and promoted to captain in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division to serve as the assistant commander. Major Smithers will now serve as the Division Commander for the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division and will be responsible for 120 employees, both enforcement and civilian, statewide.

Major Smithers resides in Marion County.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

Troopers Revive a Greenwood Man, Find Drugs & Paraphernalia

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Three Indiana State Troopers performed CPR and administered an automated external defibrillator (AED) along I-70, reviving a Greenwood man.

Just after 12;00 PM Thursday, emergency responders were called to an unresponsive male inside a car on I-70 eastbound at Shadeland Avenue. Trooper Walter Butt was first on the scene and found an adult male unresponsive and barely breathing in the driver’s seat of a Ford F-150 pickup truck. The truck had crashed into a guardrail on the right side of the road. Butt removed the male from the truck and began emergency life-saving procedures. Two other troopers arrived a short time later, Senior Trooper Justin Hobbs and Trooper Matt Beaver. Based on training and experience, the three troopers recognized the victim had possibly overdosed on an drugs. Trooper Butt retrieved his AED, provided by the Bolt for the Heart Initiative, from his car and applied it to the victim. The AED gave instructions to provide chest compressions but no shock was advised. As the victim’s condition deteriorated Butt began giving rescue breaths along with chest compressions. Medical personal from the Indianapolis Fire Department arrived and took over the rescue efforts. After a dose of Narcan, the victim began breathing on his own. He was transported to Eskenazi Hospital.

Inside the vehicle troopers located drugs and drug paraphernalia. 46-year-old Randy Vermillion of Greenwood now faces preliminary charges of possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a vehicle while intoxicated (narcotics).

Preliminary charges are merely accusations of a crime, actual charges are determined by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.

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

SOURCE: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52

Feb 23 Update Delphi Homicides: Reward Up to $50,000

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Thursday, February 23, 2017, 3:52 PM

Delphi – Phone calls to the Delphi Murder Tip Line will now be answered at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Case Contact Center, in Washington D.C. The tip line number has not changed. It is still toll free at 1-844-459-5786. Information can also be reported by calling 1-800-225-5324 (800-Call FBI). Callers will have to follow a few prompts to report their information.

Information is still be accepted through email at Abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com.

There is a $50,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects in the murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams.

Information can be reported anonymously.

Thursday, February 23, 2017, 12:47 PM

At approximately 12:15 p.m. on February 14, 2017, the bodies of Abigail J. Williams, 13, and Liberty Rose Lynn German, 14, both from Delphi, IN, were found in a wooded area near the Delphi Historic Trail, east of Delphi, IN, in Carroll County. The teens had been reported missing the previous day by family members. Their bodies were discovered by volunteers who were helping in an organized search for the girls. Law enforcement is investigating the case as a double homicide.

Today, the reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects in the murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams has increased to $50,000. The increase is because of a $9,000 dollar donation by the office of United States Representative Todd Rokita.

There have been approximately 3,900 tips received via phone and email. Approximately 1,900 of the tips were received after the release of a voice recovered from Liberty German’s cell phone.

The FBI is utilizing approximately 6,000 electronic bill boards, in 46 states, requesting information about this case.

The link of the audio of a suspect’s voice saying “down the hill” is available for download at www.in.gov/isp/delphi.htm.  The audio, and a previously released photo of a suspect, were obtained from the cell phone of Liberty German.

The Indiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department announced a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects in this case. The reward fund is currently at $50,000. The FBI has contributed $25.000, Indiana Packers Corporation has donated $10,000, the office of U.S. Representative Todd Rokita donated $9.000, and Lafayette Bank and Trust has donated $1,000.

The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) has established an account for individuals or businesses wishing to donate to the Delphi Reward Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Indiana State Police Alliance Foundation. “Delphi Reward” should be entered on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to 1415 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46203.

Citizens can provide information about this case by calling the Delphi Murder Tip Line at 1-844-459-5786.  Tips can also be reported by emailing Abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com. Information can be reported anonymously.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

ISP First Sergeant Dana Harshman Promoted to Captain

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 11:55 AM

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter has announced the promotion of First Sergeant Dana Harshman to the rank of Captain to serve as the Assistant Commander of the Training Division.

F/Sgt. Harshman is a 1994 graduate of Perry Meridian High School. Upon graduation, she attended Indiana University where she majored in elementary education. In December of 2000 she graduated from the 60th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was assigned the Indianapolis District. In the fall of 2002 she was selected as a councilor for the 63rd recruit academy. After six years of patrolling Marion County, Dana was promoted to Sergeant and became the supervisor of the Marion County afternoon shift. Dana joined the executive security detail in 2013 and worked there until she returned to the Indianapolis District as the assistant district commander in 2014.

In her new role, Captain Harshman will oversee and assist with the coordination of department training programs and will be directly involved with the training of new troopers at the Indiana State Police Academy. Major Danny Price, Commander of the Training Division, says “Captain Harshman is a valuable asset to our department, we are very excited for her to join our division and look forward to the knowledge, experience and work ethic she brings.”

Dana currently resides in Morgan County with her husband and children. Her appointment to Captain was effective Monday, February 20th.

source: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52

Brownsburg Police Respond to a Person Pointing a Firearm Call; One Suspect Shot by Police

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 1:23 AM

Just before 9:30p.m. on February 20th, 2017, the Brownsburg Police Department received a 911 call of a person pointing a firearm at another person on Ashwood Circle in Brownsburg. Prior to their arrival, police were informed the suspects had left in a white Cadillac Escalade. Responding officers spotted the Cadillac at the intersection of Main Street and O’Dell Street and subsequently stopped that vehicle. The Cadillac was occupied by two males and one female.

The Indiana State Police were requested by Brownsburg Police Chief Grimes to investigate this incident. At this point investigators are able to determine:

  • During the traffic stop a physical altercation took place between police and one male occupant of the vehicle
  • A taser was deployed by police during the altercation
  • Shots were fired by police
  • The subject in the altercation with police, 28 year old Julio Serrano of Illinois, suffered a single gunshot wound to the torso and was transported to Eskenazi Hospital. He is currently in surgery and his condition is unknown.
  • 31 year old Marek Mikolajczyc, the other male occupant of the vehicle, was taken into custody by police.
  • Brittani Griebahn, the female in the vehicle, fled the scene on foot and is currently at large
  • A handgun was recovered at the scene
  • No officers were injured

Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators are currently processing the scene and detectives are speaking with witnesses. This is an ongoing investigation with only preliminary information available at this time.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52

Logan Edwards IV of Indianapolis Leads Police on 85mph Chase, Crashes, Gets Arrested. Presumably.

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Sunday, February 19, 2017, 9:28 PM

An Indianapolis man led police on a chase through Shelby County that ended with him crashing into a curb at John Street and Harrison Street in Shelbyville.

Just after 4:00 p.m. Trooper Jonathan Haugh was attempting to stop a red 2005 Mustang for speeding on I-74 near the 105 mile marker for allegedly driving 85 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone. The Mustang initially pulled to the shoulder and slowed down before speeding away from the trooper. The pursuit continued on I-74 for nearly 8 miles until the Mustang made a sudden exit onto SR 9 southbound. Trooper Haugh was unable to safely exit without causing other vehicles around him to crash so he continued past the exit and pulled to the shoulder when traffic cleared he was able to back up to the exit. Fortunately, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department had arrived to assist and they were able to continue pursuing the Mustang. A short time after exiting off I-74 the Mustang crashed over a curb, disabling the vehicle.

The suspect, 30-year-old Logan Edwards IV of Indianapolis, was taken into custody without further incident. He was arrested for fleeing from police, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (narcotics) as well as an outstanding arrest warrant from Johnson County for possession of marijuana. Edwards IV is suspected to have been under the influence of Heroin while fleeing from police. He was lodged in the Shelby County Jail, the results of a certified blood test for intoxication are pending.

All charges listed are merely accusations, the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office will determine formal charges upon review of the case. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Trooper Haugh was assisted by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Trooper Jacob Wildauer and Phelps Wrecker Service.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52

Police Impersonator Arrested in Boone County

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Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 4:27 PM

A police impersonator was arrested on I-65 near Lebanon yesterday after being pulled over by the Indiana State Police. February 14th, 2017, at approximately 11:45 a.m.Trooper Luis Deffit was patrolling I-65 near the 136 mile marker when he saw a black SUV going 87 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone. The 2013 Honda was pulled over for speeding at the 135.7 mile marker on I-65 southbound. Keith Neher, the driver of the Honda, verbally identified himself to Deffit as a police officer and produced a badge as well as a police identification card. He told the trooper he was a reserve police officer.

Based on Neher’s behavior Trooper Deffit was suspicious of the possibility of him being a police officer. Further investigation determined Neher was a former police officer, however he resigned in 2013 and currently has no police powers. Three handguns were found inside the vehicle. The guns, along with the badge and police identification were taken as evidence. Neher was arrested and transported to the Boone County Jail.

This is an ongoing investigation, since an arrest was made any further inquires into the status of this case should be made to the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

The Indiana State Police would like to offer the following tips to help determine accurate identification of police officers;

  • In the state of Indiana a police officer MUST either be in a marked police car, or in a police uniform to pull a car over.
  • If you’re being stopped by an unmarked police car, or a car your unable to determine to be a police car, you should;
    • Activate your flashers to acknowledge the officer
    • Turn on your interior lights
    • Continue driving at or below the posted speed limit
    • Find a well lit, well populated area to stop
    • It is acceptable to call 911 and give your location if you’re unsure if the police officer is legitimate.

Police report suspected police impersonators to your local police or by calling 911.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52

Over A Pound of Marijuana Found During Traffic Stop in Indianapolis

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Wednesday February 15, 2017, 2:31 PM

February 14th, 2017 at approximately 6:20 p.m.. Trooper Christopher Waltz was in the area of I-65 and Meridian Street downtown. Waltz’s squad car is equipped with license plate reading technology and that equipment gave indication to him of a vehicle registered to a suspended driver. Upon verification that the driver matched the description of the suspended driver, Waltz pulled the vehicle over. The driver was identified as 38-year-old  Rashard Berryhill, and he was alleged to be driving with a suspended license.

Rashard Berryhill

During the course of the investigation, the odor of marijuana led Waltz to believe there could be narcotics concealed inside the vehicle. Trooper Walter Butt and his K9 partner Apache responded to assist with the investigation. Upon positive indication by Apache, a search revealed more than one pound of marijuana inside the 2014 GMC Sierra. Berryhill was arrested and transported to the Marion County Adult Processing Center.

Since an arrest was made any further inquiries should be made to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Illegal drug activity can be reported to the Indiana State Police by calling 1-800-453-4756, callers can remain anonymous.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Christopher Waltz

Assisting Officers: Sgt. Dave Henson, Trooper Walter Butt and K9 Apache.

SOURCE: Indiana State Police-Indianapolis District 52

ISP Welcomes Six New Motor Carrier Inspectors to the Ranks

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Newly appointed probationary Motor Carrier Inspectors (left to right)
Gerald L. Farmer (assigned to Lowell District, Lowell Scales I-65 SB)
Richard A. Wieczorek (assigned to Lowell District, Chesterton Scales, I-94)
Michael Buckley (assigned to Versailles District, West Harrison Scales)
Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter
Donald F. Aldrich (assigned to Putnamville District, West Terre Haute Scales)
Chad Mysiewicz (assigned to Lowell District, Chesterton Scales, I-94)
Gerald Stump, (assigned to Putnamville District, West Terre Haute Scales)

Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 1:54 PM

On Monday, February 13, 2017, the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division graduated 6 new Motor Carrier Inspectors (MCI’s) from its 2016-2017 Motor Carrier Inspector Recruit Academy.  An ISP MCI is a uniformed civilian employee with limited enforcement authority tasked with enforcing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and certain Indiana state laws governing trucks and buses. During the 11 week academy, the recruits received intensive technical training in the areas of emergency vehicle operations, first aid, defensive tactics, firearms familiarization, radio communication, and court testimony. They were also instructed on FMCSR and Indiana traffic laws governing truck size, weight, registration, and permitting.

During the graduation ceremony the featured speaker, Mr. Gary Langston President of the Indiana Motor Truck Association, spoke on the importance the new MCIs will play in ensuring safety on the roads and how crucial it is that the trucking industry and enforcement work together to reach that common goal.  Standing before friends, family, and future co-workers Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter administered the Oath of Office to the recruits and then welcomed them into the ISP Family.

On Tuesday, February 14th, the probationary inspectors reported to their areas of assignment and began a fourteen-week field training phase.  During this training phase, the MCI’s will work with veteran inspectors to experience hands-on, real world application of the materials they learned during the recruit school academy.

Gerald Farmer, Richard Wieczorek, and Chad Mysiewicz are assigned the Lowell Districts scale facilities while Donald Aldrich and Gerald Stump will be working at the Putnamville District’s West Terre Haute Scale facility. Michael Buckley is assigned to the Versailles District’s West Harrison Scale facility.

Captain Jon Smithers, Commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division, closed the ceremony with the following comments. “You will be patrolling our state’s highways and manning our weigh stations ensuring the safety of the citizens of Indiana and our visitors. Not only to ensure that large commercial vehicles are operating and being maintained in a safe manner but also to identify potential criminal activities such drug smuggling, human trafficking, and terroristic activities. Stay vigil, stay safe, and utilize the training you have received to return home to the ones you love every night.”

Further information on the Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Inspector program can be found at www.in.gov/isp and click on the link “Career Opportunities.”

SOURCE: Indiana State Police