Just before 1:30 am, a 2014 red Chevrolet 4-door truck was seen driving southbound on State Road 37, south of Bedford approaching Riverview Add Road.

The accident sent a Bedford man by helicopter ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. 

The driver was Kyle R. Ollis, 30 of Bedford, IN. 

An OWI Investigation is ongoing, causing serious bodily injury, endangering, and reckless driving.

Witnesses told troopers the vehicle passed them (at what was estimated to be over 100 mph), on the right shoulder, drifting off the roadway and sliding sideways through the grass for several hundred feet, before impacting the end of a guardrail near the Hubler Car Dealership.

The investigation revealed the vehicle was airborne for approximately 130 feet, knocking over a large highway road sign and breaking tree limbs over 20 feet off the ground, before landing in a ditch where it sheared off several 10-foot trees, coming to rest in a deep ravine.

Ollis was found inside the vehicle, on the floorboards, partially entrapped and barely conscious.

Marion Township Volunteer Firefighters utilized Jaws of Life to extract the driver.

Trooper Samuel Wagner is the investigating officer. Trooper Chance Humphrey and Officer Shaun Cabral of Mitchell PD assisted at the scene.

Indiana State Police detectives now have a “person of interest” regarding the roadside shooting of a husband and wife and their 16-year-old daughter, which occurred Wednesday evening near the O’Bannon Woods State Park. 

The Indiana State Police in Sellersburg would like to locate and speak with Timothy E. Sargent from Ohio. 

Timothy Sergeant is described as a white male, 41 years old, 5′-10″, 190lbs, with brown hair and hazel eyes, according to Sgt. Carey Huls.

Sargent is wanted out of Ohio for attempted murder and is a person of interest in a murder, both of which occurred earlier this week.  

Investigators would also like to speak with Savanna L. Emich, also from Ohio. 

Savanna Emich is described as a white female, 20 years old, 5’06”, 245lbs, with blond hair and blue eyes.

Emich is believed to be traveling with Sargent.

Both may still be in the silver 2000 Chevrolet Silverado listed in the news release below. 

A surveillance photo of the truck is also attached. The truck was last plated with Indiana registration TK667LJB.

If you see any of these individuals or observe the vehicle in question, please call 911 immediately and provide authorities with their location. 

These individuals are considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 

The vehicle the suspect was driving — a white Dodge Avenger — was later found in a cornfield near a church approximately 15 miles away, near Carefree, Indiana.

Huls said Sargent then stole a silver 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck from a nearby home with an Indiana truck license plate of TK667LJB. If you see that vehicle, call 911 immediately. 

ISP continues to investigate the shooting that happened at about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Huls said that’s when the family of three from Kentucky was driving away from O’Bannon Woods State Park in Harrison County after a hike.

He said the white Dodge sped up behind them on State Road 462, flashing its lights.

The father pulled over to let the car pass, and that’s when investigators believe the driver of the car fired several shots.

As the shooting started the father tried to speed away but crashed into a tree, and the suspect took off from the scene.

The father was shot several times and was flown to U of L Hospital.

He is now reported in stable condition.

His wife was also hit by gunfire and taken to the hospital.

She is in stable condition.

Their 16-year-old daughter was in the backseat. She was not shot but may have suffered minor injuries from the crash, according to Huls.

Includes S.R. 356 and S.R. 203 over Town Creek in Lexington, and S.R. 135 over Martinsburg Rd. in Salem

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor RAM Construction Services plans to begin work next week on a nearly $160,000 bridge deck overlay contract in Scott and Washington Counties.

The contract includes three bridges, two of which will close during construction.

Traffic restrictions and closures at each location are expected to be in place for up to one week.

Crews will start on the S.R. 356 bridge over Town Creek in Lexington.

The bridge, located .34 miles east of S.R. 203 in Scott County, will close on or after Monday, Aug. 24. The official detour will follow S.R. 3.

Following work on S.R. 356, crews will move to the S.R. 135 bridge over Martinsburg Rd. near Salem.

The bridge, located .79 miles west of S.R. 60 in Washington County, will be reduced to one lane with a temporary signal. Traffic on Martinsburg Rd. will not be affected.

After the location on S.R. 135 is complete, crews will return to Lexington and begin on the S.R. 203 bridge over Town Creek.

The bridge, located .44 miles north of S.R. 356, will also close while work is in progress.

The official detour will follow S.R. 56 and S.R. 62. 

Work at all three locations, with the exception of permanent pavement markings, is anticipated to be complete prior to the Labor Day holiday (Monday, Sept. 7), barring weather delays or unexpected circumstances.

Pavement markings will be applied under lane closures with flagging.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent.

Two candidates filed this afternoon setting up a race between seven candidates for four seats on the Salem Community School Board, according to Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey.

Two more filed today — J. Michael Davisson and Dustin Davidson, incumbent, are both certified.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for all three county schools is Friday, August 21^st at noon.

So far the race for Salem School Board involves

1. Rebecca (Becky) Humphrey.
2. Christopher A. Hunt.
3. Allison Jean Ezzell.
4. Constance (Connie) Young.
5. Aaron (Spud) Schocke
6. J. Michael Davisson
7. Dustin Davidson

There are a total of four spots open on the Salem board representing Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe, & Washington Townships. 

Those in the Salem district that currently hold the four seats are Mark “Bubba” Abbott, Ericka Garloch, Ron Haendiges, and Dustin Davidson, who was appointed to finish out former board member Steve Motsinger’s term. 

Abbott and Garloch are not running for re-election and Haendiges and Davidson have yet to file. 

Additional filings to date are:

Sal Sama filed on July 27^th and is certified to run for West Washington School Board- Vernon Twp. seat.

Aaron Dennis filed on the 28^th and is certified to run for West Washington School Board- Madison Twp. seat.

Both are currently board members.

Jeff Clem, Jr.- East Washington School Board- Town of Pekin

Thomas K. Coats- East Washington School Board- Polk Twp.

Two candidates filed yesterday evening for Salem Community School Board, according to Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey.

Both have been certified this morning:

Rebecca (Becky) Humphrey filed yesterday and is now certified to run for Salem Community School Board.

Christopher A. Hunt filed yesterday and is now certified to run for Salem Community School Board.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for all three county schools is Friday, August 21^st at noon.

Other fillings include:

Allison Jean Ezzell filed and is certified to run for a seat on the Salem Community School Board

Constance (Connie) Young has filed and is certified to run for a seat on the Salem Community School Board.

Aaron (Spud) Schocke also has filed to run for a seat on the Salem Community School Board – At-large

There are a total of four spots open on the Salem board representing Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe, & Washington Townships. 

Those in the Salem district that currently hold the four seats are Mark “Bubba” Abbott, Ericka Garloch, Ron Haendiges, and Dustin Davidson, who was appointed to finish out former board member Steve Motsinger’s term. 

Abbott and Garloch are not running for re-election and Haendiges and Davidson have yet to file. 

Additional filings to date are:

Sal Sama filed on July 27^th and is certified to run for West Washington School Board- Vernon Twp. seat.

Aaron Dennis filed on the 28^th and is certified to run for West Washington School Board- Madison Twp. seat.

Both are currently board members.

Jeff Clem, Jr.- East Washington School Board- Town of Pekin

Thomas K. Coats- East Washington School Board- Polk Twp.

Public health officials are urging people to get the flu vaccine, which is being shipped to many areas to be ready for September vaccinations.

According to the Center for Disease Control flu cases are expected to start increasing early in October and could last late into May. This makes September and early October the ideal time to get your flu shot.

But there’s reason to be concerned that flu vaccination rates could be lower this year than in past years, even though the risk of getting seriously ill may be higher because of the widespread circulation of the coronavirus.

In an effort to avoid getting sick, millions of Americans avoided seeing their health care provider the past few months. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders have resulted in a decreased use of routine medical preventive services such as vaccinations. Many employers that often provide the flu shot at no cost to employees are allowing employees to work from home, potentially limiting the number of people who will get the flu shot at their jobs.

According to health officials, The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to reach peak effectiveness, so getting the vaccine in September will help provide the best protection as the flu increases in October and later in the season.

CDC Director Robert Redfield discusses the importance of flu vaccination this year.

Both COVID-19 and the flu are contagious respiratory illnesses that presents with similar symptoms. Both viruses can impact the elderly and those with certain chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, the hardest.

Data on flu vaccination rates from 2018-2019 show that only 49% of Americans six months of age and older received the flu vaccine. The vaccine’s effectiveness varies each season, with early data from the 2019-2020 flu season indicating a vaccine effectiveness rate of 50% overall, and 55% in youth.

While some may think this effectiveness rate is low, the flu vaccine remains the single best way to prevent the flu and related complications.

Health officials say COVID-19 will still be circulating during flu season, which makes getting a flu vaccine more important than ever.

Because flu vaccination protects against one of these respiratory illnesses, the CDC recommends everyone (with few exceptions) six months of age and older get an annual flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19, the flu vaccine will reduce your risk of developing the flu as well as reduce your risks of flu-related complications including hospitalization and even death.

United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, Davontai Jones-Robinson, 23, of Evansville, Indiana, and Trinity Taylor, 26, of Prattville, Alabama, are in federal custody and charged with three counts each of Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery, and three counts each of Use of a Firearm During and Relation to a Crime of Violence.

“Living a life of crime never pays off,” said Minkler. “Their short-lived crime spree spread fear into the lives of the innocent victims that they may carry the rest of their lives. And now Jones-Robinson and Taylor face a life sentence in federal prison.”

On 08/13/20 around 8 pm, officers with the Evansville Police Department were sent to a robbery in progress at Kwik Stop located at 4301 Pollack Avenue. A nearby neighbor reported seeing a man with a long-gun run in and out of the store. The clerk said a black male entered the store with a gun and ordered him to open the register. The gunman took an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes, then exited the store.

Approximately 6 1/2 hours later, around 2:30 am on 08/14/20, officers with the Evansville Police Department were again advised of a robbery in progress at the Circle K located at 2400 E. Riverside Drive. As in the earlier robbery, a black male entered the business brandishing a gun and wearing the same clothing description as before. He ordered the clerk to open the register and he took an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes. A dark-colored passenger car is also observed in the area before and during the robbery.

Approximately 9 ½ hours later, Warrick County Law Enforcement officers were notified of a robbery in progress at Chuckles located at 175 W. Main Street in Elberfeld. Once again, a black male entered the business with a gun and ordered the clerk to open the register. The gunman stole an undetermined amount of cash and leaving in a dark-colored passenger car.

Investigators were able to determine that the same individual committed the robberies and the same dark-colored passenger car was involved as the getaway vehicle. The license plate number was identified and investigators from the Indiana State Police were able to determine it belonged to a car rental company. Records indicated that Trinity Taylor was renting the vehicle in question.

On 08/14/20 around 3:45 pm, patrol officers from the Evansville Police Department located the vehicle in question at Covert Avenue and Green River Road. Trinity Taylor was identified as the driver and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed that Jones-Robinson was the armed gunman who went inside and robbed the businesses.

A search warrant was executed at the apartment where Taylor and Jones-Robinson were residing. Several items related to all three robberies were discovered and secured as evidence.

This case was investigated by the FBI Indiana Violent Crime Task Force, Evansville Police Department, Warrick County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Todd Shellenbarger, who is prosecuting this case for the government, both defendants face up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release after being released from federal prison.

Criminal charges are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. Both defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in federal court.  

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution sentencing demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to investigate and prosecute defendants committing violent crimes involving firearms. (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Sections 2.3)

Troopers from the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post will be participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization.

Now through Labor Day, troopers will be conducting overtime patrols, seeking out drunk drivers, and showing zero tolerance for anyone driving impaired.

These patrols are supported with funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

According to ICJI, in 2018, there were just under 4,000 alcohol-impaired collisions in Indiana, resulting in 83 fatalities. Of those, 48 collisions and one fatality occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and having their license suspended for up to one year.

“Last year, one person died every 50 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the U.S.,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “Every one of those fatalities could’ve been prevented. Help us save lives by putting an end to this reckless behavior.”

For over 20 years, law enforcement agencies across Indiana have been participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This year, more than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies will be taking part, joining thousands more across the country.

To avoid getting arrested, the Indiana State Police recommends planning a safe and sober ride home before consuming alcohol. Even if only one drink is consumed, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride-share service, public transportation or taxi to get home safely. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Additionally, don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking. Take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely. Motorists that encounter a drunk driver on the road are encouraged to call 911.

For more information about the campaign and additional safety tips, please visit: www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.