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Indiana State Police

Record Breaking Holiday Travel Weekend Underway; ISP Patrols Increased

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Fri, Jun 30, 2017 at 11:54 AM

From Friday evening, June 30, through Tuesday July 4th, the Indiana State Police will be out in full force working Project CARE, stopping vehicles for impaired driving, aggressive driving, speeding, reckless driving, child restraint and seat belt non-compliance by aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger. Expect to see increased patrols, roving patrols and saturation patrols. These enforcement efforts are vital to public safety, and save lives.

While traveling this holiday season in Indiana, be sure to leave early enough to allow for slowdowns on the roadways, construction zones and vehicle breakdowns. Get plenty of rest before traveling long distances and have snacks and a charged cell phone available if needed. If you have too much to drink, stay where you are at or have someone else drive you home. A good rule of thumb is if someone asks you if you are able to drive, take that as your warning and do what is right! A night on a couch is more comfortable than a night in jail and is less costly in the long run than a hotel room!

To report an impaired driver, aggressive driving or road rage, call 911, sheriff’s department, local police or the state police post. Never follow an impaired driver. Give vehicle description, license plate number and state and direction of travel on the roadway they are on.

INDOT pulls back road closures, reminds motorists to drive safely

The Independence Day holiday weekend is expected to be one of the busiest on Indiana highways and interstates ever. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) reminds Hoosiers to travel safely and plan for more driving time during this very busy weekend.

INDOT announces a road work moratorium for the Independence Day weekend beginning Friday afternoon, June 30 until the morning hours of Wednesday, July 5. Wherever possible, road restrictions will be removed to ease traffic flow for the influx of holiday drivers. Some closures and restrictions will remain on larger projects that cannot safely reopen to traffic. INDOT directs contractors to pull back barriers and barricades where possible to accommodate the anticipated increase in holiday travel. Here’s where you will see restrictions remaining over the holiday weekend in the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post area.

Central Indiana

I-65 lanes near Lafayette are shifted for widening construction between State Road 26 (Exit 172) and State Road 38 (Exit 168).

SOURCE: Indiana State Police

Trump Supporter Shot at on I-465, Occupants of Car with Louisiana Plates Sought

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/15/2017 02:10 PM EDT

Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday, June 13th around 4:00 p.m. on I-465 near Emerson Avenue. A blue 2001 Dodge pickup truck was driving eastbound when it was struck by a bullet fired from a newer white Chevrolet Malibu.

A blue 2001 Dodge pickup truck was driving eastbound when it was struck by a bullet fired from a newer white Chevrolet Malibu.

After speaking with the victim and one witness, police believe the Dodge was displaying an American Flag as well as a “Make America Great Again” flag in the bed of the truck. A white 4-door passenger car with Louisiana license plates pulled up next to the truck, a black male passenger held a handgun out the window and fired several shots toward the Dodge. Fortunately, none of those bullets struck the driver. The driver of the Malibu was described as a black male approximately 23 years old and the passenger was described as a light-skinned black male with a “sleeve” tattoo on his right arm. The passenger allegedly fired several rounds.

Fortunately, none of those bullets struck the driver.

The driver of the Malibu was described as a black male approximately 23 years old and the passenger was described as a light-skinned black male with a “sleeve” tattoo on his right arm.

The passenger allegedly fired several rounds.

The Indiana State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this exchange to call the Indiana State Police at 317-899-8577.

SOURCE:

Brian Mays (51) & Debbie Mays (48), of Union, MI Injured in Motorcycle/SUV Crash

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/13/2017 01:45 PM EDT

Rochester – Yesterday, at approximately 12:24 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 31 at Olson Road, in which two people were injured.

The preliminary crash investigation by Indiana State Police Trooper Todd Trottier revealed that Brian Mays, 51, Union, MI, was driving a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on U.S. 31 near Olson Road. Trina Heller, 58, Rochester, IN, was driving a 2007 Nissan Morano westbound on Olson Road. Heller allegedly failed to yield, at a stop sign, for cross traffic, on U.S. 31. The Nissan pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle hit the Nissan in the driver’s side door ejecting Brian Mays and his passenger, Debbie Mays, 48, Union, MI, from the Harley Davidson.

Samaritan Medical Helicopter flew Brian Mays, from the crash scene to a Ft. Wayne hospital. He sustained non-life threatening injuries. Debbie Mays was transported, by ambulance, to a Ft. Wayne hospital. She also sustained non-life threatening injuries. Heller was not injured.

This is an ongoing investigation, but at this time neither the use of alcohol nor narcotics is suspected as having contributed to this crash.

Heller was issued a citation for failure to yield to cross traffic.

Rachael Lynn Curry, 31, of Vincennes, Arrested for OWI with Young Daughter in Car

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/12/2017 01:56 PM EDT

Rachael Lynn Curry

Washington: A Vincennes woman was arrested Sunday night on drunk driving charges with her nine-year-old daughter in the car.

At 10:45 P.M. Sunday, Trooper Ross Johnson was patrolling along East National Highway in Washington when he noticed a black 2003 Hyundai traveling with only one headlight. Johnson stopped the vehicle on Mill Street and spoke with the driver, 31-year-old Rachael Curry of Vincennes.

Through the course of the traffic stop, Johnson believed that Curry was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. After conducting field sobriety tests and eventually a certified chemical test, Johnson found that Curry had a breath alcohol content of .133%. The legal alcohol limit in Indiana is .08%.

Curry was placed into custody and lodged in the Daviess County Security Center without incident. Curry’s passenger, her nine-year-old daughter, was cared for by the child’s grandmother.

Arrested and Charges

Rachael Lynn Curry, 31, of Vincennes, IN

  • Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony
  • Operating While Intoxicated, Endangering, Class A Misdemeanor
  • Operating While Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor

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

Robert J. Tillison Jr, 53, Milroy, Killed in Motorcycle Crash

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/12/2017 07:25 AM EDT

Franklin County – Sunday, June 11th, at approximately 4:45 pm, the Indiana State Police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two vehicle crash on US 52 near State Road 1 that claimed the life of a Milroy, Indiana man.

The initial investigation by Trooper Matthew Holley indicated that a 2003 Honda motorcycle being driven by Robert J. Tillison Jr, age 53, Milroy, Indiana was traveling westbound on US 52 just west of State Road 1 when he crossed the centerline into the path of an eastbound 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pulling a fishing boat that was being driven by Ethan T. Hill, age 26, Columbus, Indiana.

As a result of the collision, Tillison was thrown from the motorcycle. Tillison sustained fatal injuries in the collision. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. Hill was uninjured in the crash.

Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash although toxicology results on both drivers are pending at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Trp. Holley was assisted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Brookville Fire Department, Franklin County EMS, and Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

Danny J. Elkins, 53, Hit By Truck While Riding Scooter

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/08/2017 11:54 AM EDT

Vigo County — This morning at 8:30, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a truck versus scooter crash in the northbound lanes of 11800 South US 41. This is near Pimento Circle and was in front of the Boot City Store.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2013 Ford F350 truck, driven by 18-year-old Brock E. Megenhardt of Coal City, IN., was northbound in the driving lane of US 41 approaching Pimento Circle, when a car in front of Megenhardt moved into the passing lane, suddenly revealing a slow moving 2011 Taotao brand scooter, driven by 53-year-old Danny J. Elkins of West Terre Haute, IN. Megenhardt’s vehicle then struck the Elkins scooter in the rear, ejecting Elkins onto the roadway.

Elkins was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for the treatment of shoulder and back injuries. He was wearing a helmet which most likely reduced the severity of his injuries and possibly saved his life.

Drugs/alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this crash.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Courtland Woodruff. Assisting were ISP Lt. Mark Tow and Master Troopers Ritch Reynolds and Matt Ames, ISP Motor Carrier Inspector Donald Aldrich, Honey Creek Fire/Rescue, and Trans Care EMS.

The attached picture of the scooter was after the crash, but not at the scene.

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

Dwan Maxwell, 30, of Indianapolis, Arrested on Drug & Driving Charges

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/07/2017 09:41 AM EDT

Indianapolis, IN – A traffic stop for speeding on the northwest side of Indianapolis led troopers to a suspended driver, drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash.

Dwan Maxwell

Just after 6;00 yesterday evening Trooper Phil Cooley pulled over a black 2011 Mazda SUV on I-465 for allegedly driving 75 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. When Cooley stopped the vehicle he learned the driver, 30-year-old Dwan Maxwell of Indianapolis was driving with a suspended license. Further investigation into the stop revealed Maxwell was allegedly in possession of a large amount of marijuana as well as several thousand dollars in cash. Maxwell was arrested on suspicion of dealing marijuana and driving while suspended.

The facts of this case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for review to determine possible criminal charges.

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

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

Kayla Williams, 3, and Keyida Moore, 37, Ejected in I-65 Crash

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Indiana State Police sent this bulletin at 06/04/2017 07:12 PM EDT

Jasper County – A single vehicle crash this Sunday, June 4, 2017, afternoon, resulted in a woman and three year-old child being ejected from the car.

Preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Aaron Trammel revealed, at approximately 12:50 p.m., a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, driven by Eric W. Williams, 31 of Kokomo, was south bound on I-65 at the 217 mile marker (this is two miles north of the Rensselaer exit) when his rear tire blew. This caused the SUV to lose control. It went off the roadway to the left, went through the median hit the guard rail that separates north from south bound traffic, went airborne and rolled.

At one point, one of the back seat passengers, Keyida L. Moore, 37 of Kokomo, and Kayla Williams, 3 years old of Kokomo, sitting on Moore’s lap, neither restrained were ejected out the passenger side window. The SUV rolled onto its wheels up against the cable barriers in the median while Moore landed approximately 10 feet north of the SUV. Kayla Williams landed in the median approximately 30 feet from the SUV.

Eric Williams, his front seat passenger Latisha Yancy, 31 of Kokomo, back seat passengers Niyel Williams, 4 of Kokomo, Kayden Yancy, 3 of Kokomo, and Jayden Smith, 2 of Kokomo were taken to Saint Elizabeth East Hospital in Lafayette with non-life threatening injuries. None of the children were in child restraint seats. It is believed they were seat belted with two of the younger ones sharing one seat belt.

Moore and Kayla were also taken to Saint Elizabeth East Hospital where Kayla was later airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital with serious/critical injuries. Moore also received serious injuries.

Indiana law requires all passengers in a moving vehicle be restrained in a seatbelt or child restraint system while the vehicle is in forward motion

Please buckle-up every time, for every trip, long or short.

“Seat belt usage is one of the simplest ways to enhance your safety and reduce injuries in the event of a crash” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “Trooper’s will aggressively enforce seatbelt usage to advance voluntary compliance and ensure the safety of Hoosier families.”

Assisting: Lake County Sheriff Department, Jasper County Sheriff Department, Rensselaer Fire, and EMS, and Cooper’s Towing

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