This morning, at approximately 7:00 am, Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post began investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred on I-65 Southbound at Exit 55 in northern Jackson County that claimed the life of an Indianapolis, Indiana man.

The initial investigation indicated that a gold 2004 Mitsubishi passenger car, being driven by Jacob T. Peelman, age 19, Indianapolis, Indiana was traveling southbound on I-65 approaching exit 55. 

Peelman’s vehicle traveled from the southbound lanes of I-65 onto the southbound exit ramp to enter State Road 11.  His vehicle then continued onto the right shoulder of the exit ramp.

Peelman’s vehicle struck the rear of a parked white 2019 Wabash trailer that was being pulled by a white 2019 Freightliner truck.  The operator of the Freightliner, Anthony C. Ward, age 63, St. Louis, Missouri was in his cab at the time of the collision. 

Peelman sustained fatal injuries in the collision.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.  Ward was not injured in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing.  Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash although toxicology tests are pending.

The exit ramp from I-65 Southbound to State Road 11 was closed for approximately three hours for crash investigation and cleanup. 

The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson County EMS, Seymour Fire Department, Hamilton Township Fire Department, Jackson County Coroner’s Office, and 31 Wrecker Service.   

A 28-year-old man living in Louisville, Kentucky, was arrested on several child sex-related charges after an investigation by Trooper Benjamin Davis from the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg.  

On June 25th, 2022, the parents of a 15-year-old girl contacted the Indiana State Police (ISP) in Sellersburg to report a possible inappropriate relationship between their daughter and whom they believed to be a 19-year-old man. 

Trooper Benjamin Davis met with the parents, and the ensuing investigation corroborated the parent’s fears.

While investigating, Trooper Davis also observed numerous communications which were allegedly sexual in nature and alluded to the male attempting to meet with the daughter again secretly.  

On July 2nd, as part of the continuing investigation, Trooper Davis and other officers waited near the family’s residence in Floyd County.

At approximately 11:30 pm, Trooper Davis stopped the suspect’s vehicle near the parent’s home.

The suspect was identified as Shawn C. Riedesel by his Minnesota Driver’s License and was, in fact, 28 years old. 

Due to information obtained during the investigation, officers believe Shawn Riedesel was currently residing in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Riedesel was arrested at the time of the stop and was transported without incident to the Floyd County Jail. He is currently charged with the following:

1. Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Level 4 Felony 
2. Child Solicitation – Level 4 Felony
3. Child Exploitation – Level 5 Felony
4. Possession of Child Pornography – Level 6 Felony 
5. Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – Class A misdemeanor

This is an ongoing investigation. The Indiana Department of Child Services assisted Trooper Davis during this investigation.  

The Indiana State Police would like to remind caregivers of the importance of monitoring social media and online communications of children in their care. If you suspect or have evidence of inappropriate communications or contact, please call the ISP Sellersburg Post at (812) 248-4374.  

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a drowning incident that occurred Sunday morning near Lexington in a private pond.

Recovery of the body of Mark D. Lyon, 37, of Scottsburg was made at 7:13 a.m.

At 1:44 a.m., dispatchers took a call of a possible drowning in the 4200 block of South Pleasant Ridge Road in Lexington. Lyon and his son were fishing from a small boat when it overturned, tossing both into the water. Lyon was not wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred.

Responders using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and side scan sonar found the body, and  DNR Law Enforcement public safety divers made the recovery.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be provided once it becomes available.

Assisting on the scene were units from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Scottsburg Fire Department, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, Scott County EMS, and the Scott County Coroner.                                                                                                                         

Indiana Conservation Officers urge everyone to wear a lifejacket when around water, especially if swimming ability and environmental/water conditions are questionable.

Louisville Police arrested 33-year-old Michael Hurley of Lexington, Indiana in connection with a crash that has killed the father of 2023 Iowa Women’s basketball commit Ava Jones of Kansas and sent her and her mother to the hospital. 

Ava Jones, her parents, Amy and Trey Jones, and her younger brother were struck by a car while visiting Louisville for the Run 4 Roses Classic, a tournament held at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

Ava and her parents were taken to University of Louisville Hospital, while her younger brother was treated for “minor injuries” at Norton Children’s Hospital, Louisville Police spokesperson Beth Ruoff said. 

As of Friday afternoon, University of Louisville Hospital said Ava and Amy Jones remain in critical condition.

After Trey Jones’ death, police said the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office charged Hurley with one count of murder in addition to earlier charges: four counts of first-degree assault, driving under the influence and a license possession violation.

Hurley’s arrest citation says he was turning left off Market to head north on Second when his car left the road and hit the four pedestrians.

Alcohol was not listed as a factor in the crash, but LMPD said Hurley told officers he had taken hydrocodone and was “so tired that he could not make the turn.”

Hurley pleaded not guilty to his earlier charges Wednesday during an arraignment hearing and had his bond set at $500,000. A public defender was appointed to represent him.

The father of 2023 Iowa Women’s basketball commit Ava Jones of Kansas has died after he and his family were hit by a carTuesday evening while walking in downtown Louisville. 

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office said 42-year-old William “Trey” Arthur Jones III died Thursday from injuries sustained from the crash, which occurred about 8 p.m. Tuesday at Second and Market streets.

The Jones family is from Nickerson, Kansas, a town of nearly 1,000 residents that is roughly 60 miles northwest of Wichita.

Trey Jones taught woodworking at Nickerson High School and was its head track and field coach. His wife is the assistant superintendent for Nickerson USD 309.

The No. 83 girls basketball prospect in the country on ESPNW’s 2023 class rankings, Ava Jones committed to Iowa on Sunday, July 3rd. 

As a junior this past season at Nickerson High School, the 6-foot-2 forward averaged 20.8 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game while helping her team finish fourth in the Kansas Class 3A state tournament. 

She is also a member of the Panthers’ track and field and volleyball teams. 

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Natalie Martin of Nickerson, Kansas and it’s been shared by Hawkeye coaches and we have the link below.

So far, the page has raised almost $53,000 dollars in just over a day–and it continues to climb by the hour.

If you would like to donate to help Ava, her mother Amy, and the Jones family with their medical expenses, click here: Go Fund Me.