Yesterday, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District ACES (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and Drug Enforcement Detectives continued an on-going investigation into locating Demetrious Coleman, 36 of Evansville.

Coleman was wanted on several Lawrence County warrants for Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), two counts of Carrying a Handgun without a License with a Prior Conviction (Level 5 Felonies), Possession of a Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony), and Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor).

Troopers found that Coleman had been evading arrest by moving around several cities and towns in southern Indiana.

The investigation revealed that Coleman was in Lawrence County and ISP Troopers were able to determine that Coleman was staying at a residence in the 300 block of Heltonville Road.

The investigation also showed that Coleman was allegedly dealing methamphetamine while in Bedford.

A Lawrence County Search Warrant was granted for the residence.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Greg Day, DES Detectives, Troopers Chance Humphrey and Cody Brown, Bedford Police Officers Chase Hamilton and Toby Gerkin and Officer Shaun Cabral of the Lawrence County Highway Interdiction Team executed the search warrant in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 27^th.

Upon entry into the residence, several individuals were encountered.

Coleman was reportedly found destroying suspected methamphetamine in the home’s bathroom, while a resident of the home, Austin R. Perry, 35, attempted to run out the back door.

Perry was quickly apprehended and the search resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.

Coleman was arrested for his warrants, along with new offenses of Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony) and Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony).

Perry was arrested for Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony) and Possession of Under 3 Grams of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony). 

Both were incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail. The other visitors at the residence were not arrested.

It’s that time of year when kids are looking forward to dressing up in their favorite costumes and spending time with family and friends trick-or-treating! 

Although everyone loves to get lots of candy and have fun, the most important thing is health and safety while trick-or-treating and making sure everyone gets home safely!

Listed below are some safety tips that the Indiana State Police Jasper Post would like to provide.

1)      Know what the dates and times are in your community for trick-or-treating.

2)      Make sure that you have a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective material on the costume so that you can be seen at all times.

3)      Always trick-or-treat with an adult or use the buddy system when approaching a house, and please practice social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.

4)      Please walk on the sidewalks and not in the roadway and make sure that you look both directions before crossing the roadway.

5)      Only go trick-or-treating at houses where the front porch light is on.

6)      Never enter the house of a stranger and preferably only trick-or-treat at homes that you are familiar to you.

7)      If a trick-or-treater gets separated from others, have them stay where they are and ask an adult for help. 

8)      Have an adult inspect the candy before it is eaten. 

9)     If you’re not actively participating in trick-or-treating and are out driving, we ask that you please slow down and drive with caution.

10)  Please follow your local health department and CDC guidelines for personal protective measures. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.  Everyone is encouraged to make your cloth mask part of the costume!             

The Jasper State Police Post hopes that these few safety tips help you enjoy your night out with friends and family while trick-or-treating!

On October 24, 2020, Deputy Chris Bowling conducted a traffic stop in Scottsburg.  An investigation led to the arrest of Juan Alcocer, 37, of Lexington for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Operator Never Licensed and Operating with a B.A.C. of At Least .08 or more. 

On October 26, 2020, Corporal Charlie Morgan met with the Crothersville Police Department in Crothersville to serve an outstanding arrest warrant.  Upon arrival Mickey Noel, 40, of Scottsburg was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to Appear If Charge was a Felony. 

On October 26, 2020, First Sergeant John Hartman responded to a report of a reckless driver in rural Scott County.  Once in the area he located the reported suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.  An investigation led to the arrest of Emelee Ardos, 31, of Bowling Green, KY, for Child Abuse/Neglect, Battery to a Person Less Than 14 Committed by a Person At Least 18 and Operator Never Licensed. 

On October 26, 2020, Deputy Skylar Coomer responded to rural Scott County for the report of an unknown person entering into a residence uninvited.  Upon arrival an investigation led to the arrest of Steven Coomer, 50, of Scottsburg for Residential Entry and Unlawful Possession of a Syringe. 

A driver and passenger were both arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail after a traffic stop in French Lick. 

Arrested and charged were:

Conner DeHart 

• OWI Controlled Substance
• Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Heroin)
• Possession of Paraphernalia
• Possession of a Syringe.

Curt Brinkman 

• Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Heroin)
• Possession of a Syringe
• Possession of Paraphernalia.

On October 26th, 2020 Sergeant Mike Allen was traveling south on Highway 145 near Airport Road in French Lick.

A northbound vehicle drifted into Allen’s lane forcing him onto the shoulder, almost colliding with him head-on. 

Sergeant Allen then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle for driving left of center. Trooper Clay Ford then arrived to assist.

During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle showed signs of impairment. Sergeant Allen then performed a Drug Recognition Evaluation on the driver, Conner DeHart, 25.

DeHart was found to be under the influence of an illegal substance. DeHart was arrested for OWI with a controlled substance.

Sergeant Allen and Trooper Ford then conducted a search of the vehicle.

During the search of the vehicle 30 needles, several items of paraphernalia, heroin, and counterfeit $100.00 bills were found.

Curt Brinkman, 42, was a passenger in the vehicle and was also placed under arrest. 

The counterfeit money will be submitted to and reviewed by the prosecutor.

The Indiana State Police is investigating a fatal crash after two vehicles collided head-on west of Salem, leaving a 57-year-old Salem man dead.

Jerry Edward Mosier, 57, of Salem, Indiana, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County Coroner.

State Road 60 was closed for about three hours while traffic was diverted and police investigated the crash. 

Around 4:10 Tuesday afternoon, officers from the Indiana State Police (ISP), the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana Conservation Officers, and the Salem Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Road 60 just west of Salem near Abbott Lane. 

When officers arrived, the crash was determined to be a fatal crash, and an ISP reconstruction team was dispatched to the scene. 

As a result of the preliminary investigation, officers believe a purple 1993 Saturn SC2 passenger car driven by Mosier was westbound on State Road 60 in the area of Abbott Lane. 

A black 2018 Jeep SUV, driven by Mark Cochran of Bedford, Indiana, was eastbound approaching the same location.  For an unknown reason, the Saturn crossed over the centerline and collided head-on with the Jeep. 

After impact, the Saturn came to rest in the middle of State Road 60, and the black Jeep spun and came to rest on the north side of the roadway. 

Washington County EMS transported Mark Cochran to University Hospital in Louisville with serious injuries. 

Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash; however, toxicology reports are pending. 

State Road 60 was closed from the time of the crash until approximately 7:15 p.m., and traffic was diverted onto area roads

There is a boil water advisory for the customers of Posey Township Water Corporation east of the intersection of Bridgewater Road and State Road 56 in Washington County.

This includes Livonia and will continue until further notice.

Affected customers should boil all tap water to be used for cooking, drinking and ice making for at least three-to-five minutes until further notice effective immediately, according to the utility.

With summer drawing to a close, crops are being harvested, the leaves are starting to change color, we are enjoying cooler days and sweatshirts in the evening, and Halloween will be here soon.

While we will not be able to have some of our traditional events, the City of Salem will have many opportunities for you and your family to celebrate this special time of year.

As always, we will designate Saturday, October 31st from 6 pm -8 pm for kids to go door to door throughout our community.

Community members may also take part in the pumpkin walk
around the square sponsored by Washington County Tourism and stick around for the Halloween Parade starting at 5:30 pm.

Outside of trick-or-treating, it is a nice time of year just to spend time on the square.

Go take a look at the recent renovations at the Courthouse, the beautiful center of our community.

While you are there, visit our many local businesses or grab a bite to eat.

I know our friendly business owners would love to see you.

Downtown Salem also offers the Salem Public Library, The
Depot Railroad Museum, and the John Hay Center and Pioneer Village.

Milder temperatures offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the many outdoor activities Salem has to offer, as well.

Get outside and take a walk on the walking path around Salem
Community Schools and the YMCA, or the hiking trails at Lake Salinda and the Knobstone.

Lake Salinda, Delaney Park and Lake John Hay also offer great fishing this time of year.

As Mayor, I am always working to promote everything the City of Salem has to offer and to ensure that our team here at the City keeps our community safe, clean, friendly, and enjoyable
for all.

Although we are faced with a few limitations this year, I hope you will take the time to explore the City of Salem this Fall.

A 36-year-old Georgetown man is in jail on arson charges after setting a propane tank on fire near Hardinsburg.

Matthew Mertz, 36, Georgetown, Indiana was arrested. He had recently re-located to the Hardinsburg area.

He was placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center, where he was booked in and charged with Arson, Intimidation, Burglary and Possession of Methamphetamine.

On October 25, 2020, at approximately 7:51 am, members of the Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to 102 Lapping Ave. in Hardinsburg.

The fire department responded to a report of a propane tank that was on fire, in the back yard of a residence.

Once firefighters began to arrive, they were confronted by a male subject, armed with a pair of scissors.

This male subject then threw a small propane tank (commonly used for a grill) toward the large tank that was on fire.

Mertz then began to approach the fire fighters with the scissors in his hand.

One of the fire fighters was carrying a handgun.

The fire fighter drew his handgun and advised Mertz to drop the scissors.

Mertz then put the scissors in his pocket.

Once the police arrived, at the scene, he was detained.

Upon further investigation by the police, it was discovered that Mertz had set the initial large propane tank on fire.

Deputy Allen Taylor is the investigating officer and was assisted by Deputy Nathan Maudlin and Conservation Officer Neal Brewington.

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