The Knox County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant last Friday, September 27, for Joshua A. Roark, 27, of Vincennes, in connection to a vehicle crash in June that killed John and Rita Buck, both 71, from Freelandville.

On June 12, Roark was traveling southbound on SR 159 approaching Brocksmith Road when he drove left of center and collided head-on into a vehicle occupied by John and Rita Buck.

Further investigation by Indiana State Police revealed Roark was under the influence of methamphetamine. Roark turned himself in at the Knox County Jail where he posted bond and was later released.

Criminal Charges:

Joshua A. Roark, 27, Vincennes, IN

• 2 counts of Causing Death While Driving Under the Influence of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Level 4 Felony

On June 2 at approximately 4:34, Indiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on SR 159 north of Bicknell that killed a Freelandville couple and injured a Vincennes man.

Preliminary investigation revealed John B. Buck, 71, of Freelandville, was driving his 2002 Jeep northbound on SR 159 approximately ½ mile north of Brocksmith Road.

Roark, was traveling southbound on SR 159 approaching Brocksmith Road when for unknown reasons drove left of center and collided head-on into Buck’s vehicle.

The couple was both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Roark was airlifted to St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville where he is being treated for serious injuries. SR 159 was closed for approximately 3 hours while troopers investigated the crash.

Around 12:30 Tuesday morning, Trooper Tatum Rohlfing was patrolling on Lewis and Clark Parkway when he observed a pick-up truck make an unsafe lane movement. 

Trooper Rohlfing checked the vehicle’s license plate when stopping the truck and learned the plate returned to a different vehicle. 

Trooper Rohlfing spoke with the driver, and sole occupant, Jay J. Hart, 58, Jeffersonville, and further learned that Hart’s Driver’s License was suspended.

Also, as a result of his continued investigation, Trooper Rohlfing located over 40 grams of methamphetamine as well as paraphernalia. 

Hart was arrested at the scene and, in addition to the traffic offenses, is charged with the following:

•    Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony
•    Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony
•    Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
•    Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor.

Troopers Dustin Zehnder and Justin Mears assisted on the stop, along with Jeffersonville Police Sergeant Leverett and his assigned K9, “Flex”. 

With the official deer archery season starting tomorrow, Indiana Conservation Officers are offering safety tips to help keep Hoosier deer hunters safe.

The various deer hunting seasons run through Jan. 31, 2020. It is estimated that more than 300,000 people will participate in some form of deer hunting in Indiana during that span. Such a large number makes safety more even more important.

The most common injuries during deer seasons are accidents involving tree stands and elevated platforms. Follow the safety tips listed below when hunting from an elevated position:

Before the hunt:

• Read and understand the tree stand manufacturer’s instructions.

• Check tree stands and equipment for wear, fatigue, and cracks or loose nuts/bolts, paying particularly close attention to parts made of material other than metal.

• Practice at ground level.

• Learn how to properly wear your full body safety harness.

During the hunt:

• Wear your full body safety harness.

• Use a tree stand safety rope.

• Make certain to attach your harness to the tree before leaving the ground, and that it remains attached to the tree until you return to the ground.

• Maintain three points of contact during ascent and descent.

• Use boots with non-slip soles to avoid slipping.

• Use a haul line to raise and lower firearms, bows and other hunting gear.

• Make certain firearms are unloaded before attaching the haul line.

Additional safety tips:

• Carry emergency equipment, such as a cell phone and flashlight.

• Make a plan before you hunt.

• Tell someone your plan, including where you will be hunting and when you plan to return.

• Stick to your plan.

• Identify game before pointing a firearm.

• Know your target and what is beyond it.