On September 10, 2019, Deputies James Shelton Johnney Coomer and Cory Hulsizer responded to a fight call involving two males on Slateford Road.

It was learned that one of the males had a gun. Upon arrival, deputies were attempting to subdue a suspect when he began resisting and fighting with them.

After a short scuffle, the male identified as Christopher Davis, 33, of Lexington subdued by officers and transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for evaluation and treatment from injuries sustained from fighting with the other male prior to deputies arriving.

The other male identified as Patrick Riley had an outstanding warrant from Clark County Indiana and after being treated at the Scott Memorial Hospital was released to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Both Deputy Shelton and Coomer were medically evaluated at the Scott Memorial Hospital and released.

On September 11, 2019, charges were filed against Christopher Davis by the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office and an arrest warrant was issued for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Felon, Pointing a Loaded Firearm, Battery Committed with a Deadly Weapon and Resisting Law Enforcement Using or Drawing a Deadly Weapon.

After receiving the arrest warrant deputies responded to an address on Slateford Road where Christopher Davis was placed under arrest and transported to the Scott County Jail without incident.

Assisting agencies, Indiana State Police, Austin City Police, Scottsburg City Police Scott County EMS and the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office.

Troopers of the Indiana State Police Putnamville District has been advised by several citizens of scammers using the identification of Social Security Administration stating that there are issues with your social security number. 

This is an attempt for scammers to get your social security number and personal information for identification theft.  

When receiving a call, never assume the caller ID is correct, and know that scammers will often use the names and numbers of local or national agencies or even your own family members.

If you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize, don’t answer.  If it’s someone that needs you, they will leave a voicemail. If in doubt, call the local agency or family member back to verify the call or voicemail.

As a reminder, never give out personal information such as date of birth, social security number, or credit card number. Many of these scammers want you to make a hasty decision and may pressure you or use fear to get your money or personal information.

Be aware that transactions made by prepaid card or wire transfer are nearly impossible to recover once sent.

The best defense against these scams is a well-informed public with a healthy dose of mistrust when receiving an unsolicited phone call or email asking for money, a hasty decision, or personal information.

It is important for everyone to talk to their family about these phone scams and to have a plan in place should a scammer call you or someone you love. Because phone scams have become nothing short of an epidemic, being aware of potential scams is a great first step in protecting yourself from falling victim to one. 

Yesterday, September 10^th at approximately 2:40 pm, the Indiana State Police investigated a crash involving a school bus and three other vehicles in southern Bartholomew County that resulted in three injuries.

The investigation by Trooper Matt Holley, Indiana State Police, determined that a 2013 Dodge Dart being driven by Shanaya N. Brown, age 27, Columbus, Indiana was traveling southbound in the 11000 Block of South State Road 11 in Bartholomew County. 

Brown’s vehicle was being followed by a 2014 GMC Terrain being driven by Jack A. Cooper, age 71, Seymour, Indiana. 

Brown slowed due to vehicles slowing in front of her vehicle.  Cooper swerved into the northbound lane of State Road 11 to avoid Brown’s vehicle. 

Cooper’s vehicle collided nearly head-on with a northbound 2004 Jeep Liberty being driven by Maria G. Hernandez-Zarate, age 56, Seymour, Indiana. 

Cooper’s vehicle also collided with Brown’s vehicle after making contact with Hernandez-Zarate’s vehicle.

Hernandez-Zarate’s vehicle then struck a 2019 Thomas Built School Bus being driven by Daniel R. Ginger, age 68, Seymour, Indiana that was traveling southbound on State Road 11 following Cooper’s vehicle. 

The Seymour Community School Corporation bus had approximately 33 students on the bus at the time of the crash. 

Jack Cooper and Maria Hernandez-Zarate were both transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

A 17 year old female student, who was on the bus, was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

State Road 11 was closed for nearly two hours for crash investigation and cleanup.

The investigation is ongoing.

Trooper Holley was assisted by other troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post, officers with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, Wayne Township Fire Department, and Columbus Regional Hospital EMS.