The Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy shot last night in New Harmony has been identified as Deputy Bryan Hicks, 41.

Hicks is still being treated at Deaconess Midtown Hospital for a single gunshot wound to his head.

The suspect has been identified as Paul D. Wiltshire,70, of 612 Short Street, New Harmony.

Wiltshire is still being treated at Deaconess Midtown Hospital for multiple gunshot wounds.

Posey County Sheriff Tom Latham would like to extend his gratitude for the countless thoughts and prayers for Deputy Hicks and his family.

The Posey County Sheriff’s Office is asking for continued prayers for Deputy Hicks, his family, and the sheriff’s office.

This continues to be an ongoing investigation.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) crash that claimed the life of an adult male.

The crash occurred last night at approximately 9:25 p.m., near the 9000 block of South County Road 75 West.

Initial investigated shows that Tyler Asche, 36, of Madison, was traveling downhill on a gravel roadway when he lost control of his side-by-side ORV.   

Asche, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was partially ejected from the ORV and pinned underneath as it came to rest on its side.  

He was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and was later pronounced dead.  

The passenger in the ORV, who was wearing a seatbelt, only suffered minor injuries.

This investigation is still underway, and an exact cause of death is pending autopsy results. 

Conservation officers were assisted by Indiana State Police, Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Friendship Fire Department, Ripley County EMS, and Ripley County Medic Service.

Steve Davisson, 63, Salem passed away this morning after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Davisson represented House District 73, which includes all of Washington County, and portions of Clark, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties.

“Steve Davisson lived an extraordinary life of love, courage and service. While short in stature, Steve was a giant of a man in service to his family, community and state. He lived his life full of love and optimism, which made him such a blessing to know. Steve will be greatly missed by me and everyone who had the privilege to know him,” said House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers)

State Rep. Davisson (R-Salem) was first elected to serve the constituents of House District 73 in 2010.

He served as the vice chair of the House Committee on Public Health, and as a member of both the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, and the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

In August, Gov. Eric Holcomb awarded Davisson the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, one of the state’s highest honors, for his outstanding service to the state of Indiana.

“My good friend Steve Davisson was a good friend to anyone that met him, and for that, we’re all fortunate and mourn his loss,” said Holcomb.

“As a man of faith, family and community, Rep. Davisson was a model citizen legislator, daily carrying out the duties that made him an obvious Sagamore of the Wabash. His ability to take on tough and complex issues with common sense and that famous smile was a gift from above. Janet and I will keep his wife, children and many grandchildren in our prayers as they find peace for such an unimaginable loss for their family, loved ones and his constituents that were so honored to have him represent them over all these years in our Statehouse.”

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Representative Steve Davisson. He was such an admirable public figure who always looked out for Hoosiers and the state’s best interest,” said  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. 

“We already shared a connection to Salem by the time we were colleagues in the Indiana House of Representatives, because my uncle, Donald Crouch was a family dentist in Salem, and his patients would go to Rep. Davisson to fill their prescriptions. I always enjoyed catching up and talking about our families,” said Crouch. 

“I will remember him for his positive attitude. No one would have ever known he was sick because of his upbeat spirit, which was his outlook throughout his life. I hope Hoosiers will keep his family, friends, and constituents in their prayers during this challenging time.”

State Senator Erin Houchin had this to say about her friend. 

Before starting his career as a pharmacist in Salem, Davisson earned two degrees from Purdue University. He held an Indiana Board of Pharmacy license since 1981. Davisson grew up in Scott County and graduated from Scottsburg Senior High School in 1976.

Davisson and his wife, Michelle, have resided in Salem since 1983. They have five adult children and several grandchildren.

Come out to the Washington County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 6:30p at Southern Hills Church. 

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita will be the featured speaker. 

Doors open at 6p. 

Tickets are $25 each or sponsorships are available — silver $200; Gold $300 and Platinum $500. 

For more information, contact Tara Hunt at 812.844.6003.

The Indiana State Police is currently investigating the shooting of a Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy in New Harmony.

The incident occurred Saturday evening, September 18, at approximately 6:46 p.m. when Posey County 911 Dispatch received a call reference to a welfare check at 612 Short Street in New Harmony.

Officers arrived at the Short Street residence within 10 minutes.

While deputies and the New Harmony Town Marshal were still outside the residence, the male homeowner started firing a weapon toward the officers.

The officers returned gunfire. During the exchange of gunfire, a Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot and critically injured. The male inside the residence was also struck.

The deputy was taken to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville where he is currently being treated.

The male suspect is also being treated at Deaconess Midtown.

His condition is currently unknown.

This is an on-going investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Investigating Agency: Indiana State Police

Late yesterday evening, an Indiana State Police Trooper from the Evansville District attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on I-64 in Warrick County. 

The vehicle failed to stop and the Trooper initiated a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, the Trooper witnessed a handgun being thrown from the vehicle.

The pursuit continued from I64 onto southbound US 231 in Spencer County.

As the suspect vehicle turned onto US 231 the driver displayed such dangerous driving behaviors that the Indiana State Police discontinued the pursuit out of concerns for the safety of the rest of the motoring public.  

A short time later, Spencer County Deputy Matthew Gosnell discovered the vehicle abandoned and disabled in the southbound lane of US 231 just south of S.R. 62 near Dale.

The vehicle had a strong odor of marijuana and an additional handgun was located in the vehicle that was later determined to be stolen.

Witnesses stated that they observed four subjects run from the vehicle and attempt to cross the median but stopped and ran back west across US 231 where they lost sight of them. 

All suspects were considered to be armed and dangerous at the time. 

Master Trooper Trey Lytton responded, while off duty, and activated units from Indiana All Crimes Policing Team and Detectives from the Jasper Post. 

Trooper Kaitlyn Green arrived with her K9 Drogos to start a K9 track of the suspects.   

A perimeter involving Troopers from the Jasper and Evansville Posts, the Spencer County Sheriff’s, Department, the Santa Claus Police Department, Gentryville Police, Indiana Conservation Officers, Dale Police Department, the Warrick County Sheriff Department, and the Jasper Police Department was set up. 

K-9 units for the Warrick County Sheriff’s Department and the Bloodhound from the Jasper City Police Department were also utilized.  

Master Trooper Lytton and Chief James Faulkenburg, Santa Claus Police Department, responded to Heritage Hills High School and coordinated with school officials to stop all athletic events for the safety of the students and fans. 

The Indiana State Police helicopter and Sheriff Alan Malone, Perry County Sheriff Department, and his unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), were requested to assist at the scene.   

During the active search for the subjects, Chief Faulkenburg was alerted by a resident in Lincoln City of a suspicious vehicle in the area with Kentucky plates. 

That vehicle was found and stopped north of Lincoln City.

The driver, identified as Kyra Newsom, of Louisville was questioned by officers.

During the investigation, enough probable cause was developed to establish that Newsom was summoned to the area to pick up the suspects who had earlier ran from the Trooper. 

Newsom was arrested for Assisting a Criminal and then transported to the Spencer County Jail.  

Later, Troopers obtained additional information that another individual may have been contacted to drive to the area to pick up the suspects who were still believed to be hiding in the area.  At approximately 12:48 am, Troopers stopped a gray 2014 Kia for a traffic violation on US 231 near SR 162. 

Master Trooper Tim Weisenberger and Trooper Jon Villanueva identified the driver as Ronald B. Spencer Rodriguez. 

The passenger was identified as Andrew D. Carter. 

Troopers and officers were again able to establish probable cause that Rodriguez and Carter were in the area to pick up the fugitives on the run. 

Both Rodriguez and Carter were arrested for Assisting a Criminal and transported to the Spencer County Jail. 

At this time, after extensive efforts of multiple agencies, the original suspects still have not been located. 

Troopers have individuals of interest and are continuing to identify and interview them.  If any suspicious individuals are seen in the area, the investigating agencies strongly encourage citizens not to approach them but to call 911 immediately.  Troopers, the Santa Claus Police Department, and the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department are still in the area at this time and will work with the North Spencer School to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for school students, fans, and the general public for any weekend activities.

It should be noted that none of the suspects or those arrested have ties to the North Spencer County area.  

It is believed that the first opportunity they have or had to leave the area will be or was taken advantage of.

If you have any information pertaining to this case please contact the Indiana State Police at Jasper 800-742-7475.