Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) announced that President Trump has signed into law legislation that renames the Circle City Post Office at 456 N. Meridian Street after former U.S. Senator Richard Lugar. 

“When Senator Richard Lugar passed away last year, Indiana and the entire country lost a giant. I had the privilege of working on Senator Lugar’s staff, and I had a front-row seat to history, watching a statesman at work.

“In 2017, he stood by me as I took my oath of office in the U.S. Senate, and I will never forget his support through the years. Senator Lugar left an impact on Indiana that will be felt for years to come, and today only reaffirms his legacy will continue to live on,” said Senator Young.

“Senator Richard Lugar is a towering figure in Hoosier history and one of the greatest statesmen ever to serve in the U.S. Senate: it’s only fitting for us to rename the Indianapolis Post Office after him and glad we got this accomplished,” said Senator Mike Braun.

Indiana State Police K9 Barrett has retired from his patrol duties. Barrett was named after Trooper Daniel Barrett who was killed in the line of duty on January 27, 2008. Barrett and his partner, Senior Trooper Matthew Wilson, have patrolled together since 2012 and they are responsible for the seizure of significant amounts of narcotics and the apprehension of violent criminals.

One notable criminal apprehension was in November 2019 when Barrett apprehended the man suspected of shooting and killing Fishers Police K9 Harlej.

Barrett is also responsible for the seizure of:

• Marijuana 2,120 pounds
• Methamphetamine. 487 pounds
• Cocaine 280 pounds
• Heroin 146 pounds
• 1.2 million in US currency
• 15 criminal tracks/apprehensions

Trooper Wilson and Barrett spent most of their time patrolling central Indiana as part of a drug interdiction team. Barrett will now spend his retirement with the Wilson Family enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation. 

Yesterday, September 30, at approximately 1:25 PM, Indiana State Police All Crimes Policing Team members M/Trooper Trey Lytton, Trooper Connor Giesler, and K9 Trooper Kaitlyn Greene conducted a traffic stop on a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche on Eureka Rd and CR 200 W, near Rockport.

During the traffic stop, Trooper Greene’s K9, Drogos, alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. 

During a search of the vehicle, approximately 17.5 grams of methamphetamine was located. 

The driver, Benjamin D. Shepherd, 35, of Owensboro, KY, was also found to be in possession of a substantial amount of cash. 

Shepherd was arrested and transported to the Spencer County Jail on the charges of:

• Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony.

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

Yesterday, the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section along with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department conducted a methamphetamine investigation.

That investigation lead to a traffic stop by Morgan County Sheriff’s Deputies Brighton Sichting and Tim Coryell.

During the traffic stop, Deputy Sichting and his K9 partner “Dano” found Shane Robertson, 41 of Ellettsville, IN to be in possession of approximately 20 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

The traffic stop occurred near the 3500 block of Godsey Road, just south of Martinsville.

CHARGES –

1) Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deal (Level 2 Felony)

2) Possession of a Controlled Substance (A Misdemeanor)

3) Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor)

4) Driving while Suspended – Prior (A Misdemeanor)  

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.

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

What began as a report to 911 as a possible drunk driver ended in the arrest of a Louisville woman on multiple felony drug charges. 

Around 1:20 Thursday morning, Harrison County dispatchers received and dispatched information on a possible drunk driver headed eastbound on I-64 approaching the Corydon exit.

A caller stated the driver was in a black passenger car with a Kentucky license plate. Trooper Nathaniel Newton responded to the area and soon observed a vehicle matching the description exit on to SR 135 in Corydon.

While following the car, Trooper Newton observed the vehicle weaving from side to side and making improper lane changes. Trooper Newton then stopped the driver near Federal Drive. The driver was identified as Angela T. Debella, 33, of Louisville, Ky.  

Angela T. Debella was arrested and transported to the Harrison County Jail without incident. Debella is charged with the following:

1. Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony 
3. Dealing a Narcotic Drug – Level 6 Felony 
4. Possession of a Narcotic Drug – Level 6 Felony 
5. Possession of Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony 
6. Dealing in a Controlled Substance – Level 6 Felony 
7. Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony    
8. Possession of Marijuana – B Misdemeanor
9. Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor       

As Trooper Newton conducted the traffic stop and investigation, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Daniel Evans and his K-9 partner Fynn arrived to assist.

K-9 Fynn alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle, and Trooper Newton subsequently searched the car. Trooper Newton located almost 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine during the search, along with over two grams of suspected heroin with fentanyl, Xanax, and Alprazolam pills, over 31 grams of marijuana, Hypodermic needles, and various items of paraphernalia.

Debella also had over $5,600 in U.S. currency in her possession.                             

The Indiana State Police would like to thank the public for reporting suspected intoxicated drivers and remind everyone that calls such as this often result in unrelated charges that would likely go undetected without the public’s help.