Officers from the Crown Point Police Department used stop sticks to end a four-county high-speed chase.

The Starke County man police say carjacked three vehicles and led police from multiple agencies on a four-county high-speed chase this afternoon is in critical condition at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill. after shooting himself while trying to flee. Information released by the Indiana State Police, Starke County Sheriff’s Department and Starke County Prosecutor’s Office indicates the 57-year-old man was involved in a homicide at a home in Knox. Afterward, he drove his personal vehicle to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center and carjacked a motorist at gunpoint at 3:41 p.m. He then drove to English Lake, dumped his passenger and stole a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

It broke down on State Road 8 in Porter County. According to the state police, two men were leaving the house in a 1988 GMC Sierra pickup truck and stopped to see if he needed help. They called 911 at 4:04 p.m. to report the man man brandished the weapon and stole their truck. Hebron Police and deputies from the Porter County Sheriff’s Department joined the chase, which continued into Lake County. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, their aircraft and officers from the Crown Point Police Department joined the pursuit. Officers threw out stop sticks at the intersection of Maine and 109^th Streets, flattening the truck’s two front tires. The driver kept going onto Interstate 65, which had been shut down by Indiana State Police. They say he tried to make a U-turn and got stuck in the gravel. He shot himself once as officers were approaching. He was flown from Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Crown Point to the facility in Oak Lawn.

After the pursuit ended, deputies in Starke County checked his home in California Township and found a dead woman. Her name and age have not been released, and authorities did not comment on the nature of her relationship to the man. We’ve left a message for Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells for information about her cause of death. Investigators in Starke County are obtaining warrants to search the residence and vehicles. They cannot comment as to whether either had a prior criminal history. We will update this story throughout the weekend as more information becomes available.

 

Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells is scheduling a forensic autopsy for the victim of an apparent homicide at a California Township home. Investigators from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found the woman late Friday afternoon after a high-speed chase that began with a carjacking at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center on State Road 10at 3:41 p.m.  and ended on Interstate 65 in Lake County when the suspect apparently shot himself after police deployed stop sticks to end the pursuit. He is in critical condition at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill. Authorities have not released his name and will not do so until proper next of kin notifications are made.

Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells tells WKVI news the woman was in her late 40s or early 50s. Her name has not been released either. Rannells hopes to schedule the autopsy early next week in Fort Wayne. Until then he is not able to comment on the manner in which she was killed. Authorities have not released information on the relationship between the accused carjacker and the homicide victim and declined comment as to whether either has a criminal record. We will post updates throughout the weekend if additional information is released.

Officers from the Crown Point Police Department used stop sticks to end a four-county high-speed chase.

Officials with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department have released the name of the man accused of stealing three vehicles and leading police from multiple agencies on a high-speed chase through Starke, LaPorte, Porter and Lake Counties Friday afternoon.

Gary Chavez, 57, of Knox, is still in critical condition at Christ Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. According to police, he drove his vehicle to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center Saturday afternoon, stole a car at gunpoint at 3:41 p.m., took the driver and went to English Lake. Police say he left the vehicle and owner there and stole a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It broke down on State Road 8 near Hebron in front of a house. According to the state police, two men were leaving in a 1988 GMC Sierra pickup truck and stopped to see if he needed help. They called 911 at 4:04 p.m. to report Chavez brandished the weapon and stole their truck. Hebron Police and deputies from the Porter County Sheriff’s Department joined the chase, which continued into Lake County and ended on Interstate 65 when police officers threw out stop sticks to flatten the truck’s tires. Chavez shot himself as officers were approaching, according to information from the Indiana State Police.

After the pursuit ended, deputies in Starke County checked his home in California Township and found a dead woman. Her name and age have not been released, and authorities did not comment on the nature of her relationship to the man. Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells tells WKVI news she was in her late 40s or early 50s. As of Saturday evening, he is still trying to contact her next of kin. Until he does, her name will not be released. Rannells hopes to schedule a forensic autopsy early next week in Fort Wayne. Until then he is not able to comment on how she was killed. Authorities declined comment as to whether Chavez or the deceased woman has a criminal record. We will post updates throughout the weekend if additional information is released.

Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Dulin and Prosecutor Nick Bourff speak to the media about Friday’s carjacking and ensuing pursuit.

The Starke County Prosecutor’s Office expects to file formal charges today against the Knox man accused of stealing two cars in Starke County and leading police from multiple agencies on a high-speed chase through four counties Friday afternoon.

Gary Chavez, 57, of Knox, is accused of carjacking someone in the Mark Bailey’s Discount Center parking lot Friday afternoon at 3:41 p.m., driving to English Lake, dropping his passenger off and stealing a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a home there. The Jeep broke down near Hebron, according to information from the Indiana State Police, who say Chavez stole a 1998 GMC Sierra pickup at gunpoint from two men who stopped to help him. The chase continued into Lake County and ended on Interstate 65 when officers used stop sticks to flatten the truck’s tires. Police say Chavez shot himself as officers approached. He was initially taken to a hospital in Crown Point and then flown to Christ Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. The last update we received on his condition indicated he was critical.

Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, 50, of Portage, dead at a home in California Township. Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells calls her death an “apparent homicide.” A forensic autopsy will be conducted today in Fort Wayne.

Officers from the Crown Point Police Department used stop sticks to end a four-county high-speed chase Friday afternoon.

The Knox man police say stole three vehicles and led officers from multiple departments on a high-speed chase through four counties Friday afternoon is still in critical condition at Christ Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. The pursuit started in Starke County when Gary Chavez, 57, of Knox, allegedly stole a car at gunpoint from the parking lot at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center.

He stole a second vehicle in English Lake, according to investigators from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, and took a pickup truck in Hebron from two men who stopped to see if he was having car trouble. That’s what he was driving when police in Lake County used stop sticks to puncture the tires. Chavez shot himself as officers were approaching, according to information released by the Indiana State Police. He was flown to Oak Lawn Friday night from a hospital in Crown Point. After the chase ended, deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, 50, of Portage, dead at his California Township home. Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells calls her death an “apparent homicide” but cannot comment further until a forensic autopsy is completed. The Starke County Prosecutor’s Office is still working on formal charges against Chavez. Nothing has been filed yet in Starke Circuit Court.

Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Dulin and Prosecutor Nick Bourff speak to the media about the June 8, 2014 carjacking and ensuing pursuit.

Starke County Prosecutor Nichoals Bourff does not anticipate filing charges against the Knox man police say stole two cars in Starke County and led them on a high-speed chase through four northwest Indiana counties until at least tomorrow. Gary Chavez, 57, of Knox is still in critical condition at Christ Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. He’s been there since Friday night after shooting himself in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest by police in Crown Point. They used stop sticks to flatten the tires on the truck Chavez was driving.

Bourff tells WKVI News he’s waiting for preliminary autopsy results on his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, 50, of Portage before filing charges. Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found her dead at his home in California Township Friday after the pursuit ended. Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells calls her death an “apparent homicide” but cannot elaborate until the autopsy is complete. It is taking place today in Fort Wayne.

Chavez allegedly stole a car at gunpoint from the parking lot at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center at 3:41 p.m. Friday. He stole a second vehicle in English Lake, according to investigators from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, and took a pickup truck in Hebron from two men who stopped to see if he was having car trouble. That’s what he was driving when the pursuit ended.

Gary Chavez is accused of stealing this 1988 GMC Sierra pickup truck from two men in Hebron Friday afternoon.

The first of several charges has been filed against the Knox man police say stole two cars in Starke County Friday afternoon, led police on a high-speed chase, stole a third vehicle in Porter County and shot himself after officers in Lake County used stop sticks to flatten the tires of the truck he was driving. Gary Chavez, 57, is still in critical condition at Christ Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill. He’s charged with carjacking as a Class C felony in Porter County. That’s where the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee police say he stole from a home in English Lake broke down on State Road 8 near Hebron. When two men in a 1988 GMC Sierra pickup truck stopped to see if he needed assistance, Chavez allegedly brandished a gun at them and stole their truck.

After Chavez was apprehended, deputies with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department retraced his path and found his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, 50, of Portage, dead at his rural Knox home. Investigators believe he left his house, drove to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center, pulled a gun on a man in a car in the parking lot, drove from there to English Lake, abandoned that car and the owner and stole the SUV. Starke County Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff told WKVI news he anticipates filing charges within the next day or so after he’s reviewed her preliminary autopsy results. Officials in Porter County say additional charges could be filed there as well.

 

Starke County Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff hopes to file formal charges today against the Knox man accused of stealing two cars and leading police on a high speed chase Friday afternoon. Police say Gary Chavez, 57, of Knox, commandeered the first car in the Mark Bailey’s Discount Center parking lot at 3:41 p.m. He switched vehicles in English Lake, according to authorities, and left the owner of the first stolen car behind when he took a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

It broke down near Hebron. Indiana State Police officials say two men stopped to see if he needed help, and Chavez brandished a gun and stole their 1988 GMC Sierra pickup truck. That’s what he was driving when police used stop sticks to flatten his tires on Interstate 65 in Crown Point. Chavez shot himself as police were approaching the truck. He’s still in critical condition at a Chicagoland area hospital. A carjacking charge has been filed against him in Porter County.

After the chase ended, deputies with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department found his estranged wife, Kimberly Chavez, 50, of Portage dead at his home in California Township. Starke County Coroner Kris Rannells says preliminary autopsy results indicate her death was a homicide as a result of blunt force trauma.

###

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Incidents

6/2/14 – Deputies responded to a tractor-trailer versus automobile accident on U.S. 30 near 800 East in Hamlet. No injuries were reported..
6/2/14 – A resident of the 10000 block of West State Road 10 in San Pierre asked to speak to an officer about telephone harassment.
6/2/14 – Scott D. Anderson, 41, was involved in a hit-and-run property damage accident U.S. 421 at State Road 10. He said the vehicle that caused the accident left northbound on U.S. 421. It was a Jeep with temporary tags.
6/2/14 – Craig with CenturyLink reported damage to pedestal boxes on 400 East and west of 250 West.
6/2/14 – A resident in the 4800 block of East 150 North in Knox reported telephone harassment.
6/2/14 – A resident in the 1200 block of South 1000 East in Knox asked to speak to an officer about another man who refuses to bring his truck back or pay him the money he owes for it.
6/3/14 – A resident in the 3400 block of East Island View Drive in Knox reported a building on her property has been broken into and items are missng.
6/3/14 – A Knox resident received a scam phone call from Washington, D.C. number 202-239-5772. He said the caller was very rude and hung up before any more information was ascertained.
6/3/14 – Breann Lee, 27, of Knox, hit a deer on State Road 8 west of State Road 23 in Knox.
6/3/14 – A resident in the 1200 block of South 1000 East in Knox told deputies he let a kid who was doing some work for him take his debit card to buy some materials, and there are some unauthorized charges on it. He later reported he let someone borrow his truck. They brought it back damaged with no oil in it.
6/3/14 – Julio V. Pinilla, 58, of Knox, was cited for speeding 87/55on State Road 39 south of 200 South.
6/3/14 – Julie Vanhee, 59, no address listed, hit a deer on U.S. 30 east of State Road 23 in Grovertown.
6/3/14 – A residentin the 7700 block of North Tippecanoe Drive North in Walkerton said he thinks his neighbor placed a dead duck on his porch. Dispatchers referred the call to the DNR.
6/3/14 – A female caller advised there is a needle off the roadway on the southwest side of the Eagle Creek Bridge on 800 East.
6/3/14 – A resident in the 1700 block of East 400 South in Knox said items were taken from he house while she was driving her afternoon bus route.
6/3/14 – A caller reported three juveniles on mopeds driving recklessly around Bass Lake Beach in the traffic.
6/4/14 – A resident in the 5500 block of South State Road 1150 East in Culver reported she was swindled out of $4,000 from a caller claiming to be her grandson in jail. She wired him the money via Moneypak.
6/4/14 – A caller advised young males on a 4-wheeler are riding out in font of vehicles on State Road 23 near 600 and 650 North in Grovertown.
6/4/14 – The San Pierre Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 10400 block of West State Road 10 in San Pierre.
64/14 – A resident in the 7200 block of east 150 South in Knox filed a fraud report.
6/5/14 – A private investigator handling a child custody case reported a possible protective order violation involving two Hamlet residents.
6/5/14 – A caller in the 5200 block of south 275 West in North Judson reported property damage after a man at the residence kicked her car. She says the door will not open now.
6/5/14 – A resident in the 10700 block of East 900 South in Monterey reported her neighbors have been setting fireworks off all day and all night and making a lot of noise. She said she has asked them repeatedly to stop because her small children are unable to take naps or go to bed.
6/5/14 – A vehicle versus deer crash occurred on 800 South at 700 East.
6/6/14 – Krista H. Kruyer, 37, of Argos was cited for speeding 80/55 on U.S. 35 at 500 North.
6/6/14 – Pulaski County dispatchers advised of a flat black sporty-type smaller vehicle, possibly a Buick, northbound on U.S. 421 with a flashing blue light attempting to pull over a semi.
6/6/14 – A rollover accident with injuries was reported near the Grovertown Truck Stop.
6/6/14 – A resident in the 6000 block of South 200 East in Knox asked to speak to an officer about people cutting down her trees.
6/6/14 – A resident in the 2200 block of South 650 West in North Judson reported a tall, skinny man just stole his blue 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee at gunpoint, left northbound on 650 West and is now in LaPorte County. He said the vehicle has mechanical problems and won’t make it far. Before leaving in the Jeep, the man dropped another man off at the home on 650 West. That man said he was taken at gunpoint from the Mark Bailey’s parking lot by the tall, skinny man, who told him that he had killed his wife.
6/7/14 – A caller in the 400 block of North U.S. 35 in Knox reported getting harassed by vendors.
6/7/14 – Deputies responded to a property damage accident in the 6000 block of South Range Road in North Judson.
6/7/14 – A resident in the 3700 block of South U.S. 35 in Knox advised a neighbor two houses south of her is shooting a gun outside. She said it is very loud and is making her very nervous.
6/714 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Departm625 East. ent, Starke County EMS and Bass Lake Fire Department responded to a wreck with injuries on State Road 210 east of 625 East.
6/8/14 – A resident in the 3400 block of West 400 South asked to speak to an officer about children who were on her property the previous night.
6/8/14 – Officers responded to a residential burglary alarm in the 7500 block of South 200 West in North Judson. ADT was unable to contact a key holder.
6/8/14 – Items were reported stolen from a pallet in the parking lot at Mark Bailey’s Discount Center.
6/8/14 – A caller in the 1600 block of East Toto Road reported people fishing in the pond on his property without permission. He said he asked them to leave and they refused.
6/8/14 – A resident in the 2200 block of South 700 East in Knox reported his 11-year-old daughter is being harassed by another female.

Arrests
6/4/14 – Cody Justice Huddleston, 19, North Judson – Driver never licensed.
6/6/14 – Jorge Morales, 43, North Judson – Operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana.
6/7/14 – Jerry Miller, 58, Knox- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (A misdemeanor and C misdemeanor).

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

Incidents

6/2/14 – Multiple agencies respond to a domestic dispute.
6/2/14 – Deputies from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department and Medaryville Police Department respond to a domestic dispute.
6/2/14 – The Medaryville Fire Department was called to assist with a field fire in Jasper County.
6/3/14 – Winamac Police respond to a report of a woman who is being threatened by her neighbor.
6/3/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a dispute between neighbors over cutting tree limbs.
6/3/14 – An iPad was reported stolen from a student’s desk at Eastern Pulaski Schools. Winamac Police are investigating.
6/3/14 – Deputies respond to a report of a residential break-in.
6/4/14 – Officers from the Winamac Police Department and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department respond when a man catches and detains someone breaking into his car in downtown Winamac.

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents

6/9/14 – Brad Lawrence reported vandalism to an irrigation system on 200 North between 500 and 600 East.
6/9/14 – A resident in the 1000 block of east 150 South in Knox reported receiving harassing telephone calls from her soon-to-be ex-husband.
6/9/14 – A resident in the 3400 block of south 350 West in North Judson asked to speak to an officer about vandalism.
6/9/14 – Michael Steif, 43, of San Pierre, hit a deer in the 6800 block of south 900 West in San Pierre.
6/9/14 – Gabrielle Denea Rowe, 24, of Winamac, hit a deer on U.S. 35 south of 400 South.
6/10/14 – The owner of a home in the 1700 block of south 550 East in Knox reported the home has been broken into.
6/10/14 – Danielle Grace Thompson, 20, of North Judson, and Michael M. Greco, 36, no address given, were involved in a property damage accident on U.S. 35 north of 200 South in Knox.
6/10/14 – A resident in the 1000 block of east 150 South in Knox reported receiving harassing telephone calls from her soon-to-be ex-husband.
6/10/14 – Dispatchers received a report of three people on a moped pulling someone on a skateboard on 600 East between 300 and 400 North in Hamlet.
6/10/14 – A resident in the 7100 block of East 150 South in Knox reported his neighbor’s dogs keep getting loose and tearing up his property.
6/10/14 – A child was hit by a vehicle in the 7200 block of South 300 West in North Judson and was taken to the hospital by family members.
6/10/14 – Guillermina Ulloa, 35, of North Judson, hit a deer in the 3300 block of East 625 South in North Judson.
6/11/14 – A caller reported a blue pickup truck on its side in a ditch on the north side of 200 South west of 100 East in Knox.
6/11/14 – A resident in the 3100 block of East 200 South reported a trespasser pulled a knife on him.
6/11/14 – A vehicle driven by Dylan Lehiy, no age or address listed, ran off the road on U.S. 35 south of 200 North in Knox and got stuck in someone’s yard. He was not injured.
6/11/14 – Sheriff’s Deputies, Starke County EMS and the Koontz Lake Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 30 at 1100 East in Grovertown.
6/11/14 – A resident in the 1800 block of South 100 East in Knox called the sheriff’s department to report her ex is making treats toward her daughter.
6/11/14 – A resident in the 5100 block of south 275 West in North Judson reported she was arguing with her boyfriend, he took her puppy and will not bring it back.
6/12/14 – A resident in the 1500 block of East 150 South in Knox reported a theft.
6/12/14 – A resident in the 7200 block of south U.S. 421 in San Pierre said her landlord was on her property making threats.
6/12/14 – A resident in the 400 block of 200 South in Knox reported damage to her yard and bushes as a result of an accident that happened yesterday and asked to file a report.
6/12/14 – Deputies were called to Stanley Marina at in the 11200 block of East Circle Ave. in Walkerton after someone parked on the pier, refused to pay the fees and would not leave.
6/12/14 – Loud noises, possibly gunshots, were reported in the 7200 block of south 250 West in North Judson.
6/12/14 – A resident in the 5000 block of East 250 South in Knox filed a theft report.
6/12/14 – Numerous agencies responded to a traffic accident on State Road 23 at U.S. 30 in Grovertown.
6/13/14 – Clint E. Richards, 66, of Lakeville, hit a deer on U.S. 35 south of State Road 10 in Knox.
6/13/14 – A theft of fuel was reported at Grovertown Truck Stop on U.S. 30.
6/13/14 – Nathan A. Pittman, 42, of Waterloo, hit a deer on State Road 10 east of State Road 39 in North Judson.
6/14/14 – A caller reported possible drug activity at the EZ Kamp Campground on U.S. 30 in Grovertown.
6/14/14 – A resident in the 800 block of north 600 East in Knox reported her 13-year-old daughter missing.
6/14/14 – A resident in the 4200 block of north 1100 East in Grovertown reported a 2006 red Volvo stolen.
6/14/14 – A caller in the 4200 block of south 750 East in Knox called the sheriff’s department after finding a silver four-door car with Illinois plates at the end of his driveway. The vehicle was apparently stolen and has been stripped.
6/14/14 – A resident in the 1000 block of east 150 South in Knox reported receiving harassing telephone calls from her soon-to-be ex-husband.
6/15/14 – A Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy took a report of a property damage accident in the parking lot of First Farmers Bank in North Judson.
6/15/14 – A residential break-in was reported in the 2400 block of north 1025 East in Grovertown.
6/15/14 – A resident in the 1000 block of east 150 South in Knox reported receiving harassing telephone calls from her soon-to-be ex-husband.

Arrests

6/11/14 – Quentin Alan Lenig, 25, Knox – Possession of marijuana.
6/14/14 – Margaret Helen Singleton, 40, Grovertown – Battery, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
6/14/14 – Craig Weston, 35, Mishawaka – Battery, public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
6/15/14 – Austin Dale Bailey, 23, Knox – Operating while intoxicated.
6/15/14 – Jeffery R. Rabe, 50, Warsaw – Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (A misdemeanor), operating a vehicle while intoxicated (C misdemeanor) and possession of marijuana.

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents

6/9/14 – A woman reported items stolen from her shed.
6/9/14 – Francesville Police take a report of theft of gasoline from a vehicle.
6/9/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a witness report of a robbery.
6/9/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a report of a fight and arrest a woman for illegal consumption.
6/10/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a business after a customer allegedly used a counterfeit $100 bill to pay for items.
6/12/14 – A man reported the theft of $300 in cash from his wallet while he was sleeping.
6/14/14 – Winamac Police respond to the Pulaski County Public Library in Winamac for a report of a stolen bicycle.
6/14/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a report of the possible theft of $40 and a very strong medication.
6/15/14 – The Monterey Volunteer Fire Department assisted the Bass Lake Fire Department with a structure and barn fire in Starke County.
6/15/14 – Winamac Police responded to a disturbance call regarding people shooting fireworks all night.
6/15/14 – Deputies from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department take a report of a stolen DVD player and DirecTV box.

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

6/16/14 – A mail carrier found an unlabeled bottle of pills in a mailbox in the 1000 block of south 500 East in Knox and has seen cash in the box on several occasions.
6/16/14 – A deputy took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash on 250 East and Toto Road in Knox.
6/16/14 – A resident in the 5000 block of east 250 South in Knox filed a theft report.
6/17/14 – A man reported the theft of $86 from his unlocked car in the 11200 block of East Nicole Drive in Knox.
6/17/14 – A Knox man reported a family member has taken his vehicle without his permission.
6/18/14 – A Grovertown resident came to the Starke County Sheriff’s Office to file a fraud report.
6/18/14 – A North Judson resident reported the theft of her iPhone, said she knows where it is and asked for an officer to help her get it back.
6/18/14 – Dispatchers received a report of several juveniles jumping from the Koontz Lake Dam into the water.
6/19/14 – A resident in the 4400 block of East Dawn Drive in Knox reported her neighbor’s dog got off its chain, came into her yard and attacked her dog.
6/19/14 – The owner of a home in the 11600 block of East Toto Road in Culver reported the recent theft of items from the residence.
6/19/14 – A resident in the 5100 block of North U.S. 35 in Knox reported she and her husband are being harassed by a family member.
6/19/14 – A resident in the 4700 block of North State Road 23 reported the theft of a tire from his vehicle while he was on vacation.
6/19/14 – Dispatchers received a report of juveniles jumping from the Koontz Lake Dam into the water.
6/19/14 – The Indiana State Police asked deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a report of possible marijuana growing in the back yard of a residence on Old U.S. 30 in Knox. The property owner called ISP, but they do not have a trooper available.
6/19/14 – An employee of a store on U.S. 35 reported a man left with a cart full of groceries and is sitting in a small, beat up red car in the parking lot with a small boy.
6/20/14 – A caller reported several juveniles on mopeds acting suspiciously near the storage units on 250 West south of 700 South.
6/20/14 – A caller reported a pickup truck sitting at an abandoned house in the 5100 block of East 500 South in Knox.
6/20/14 – A resident of the 3400 block of South Range Road in North Judson came to the Starke County Sheriff’s Office to file an identity theft report.
6/20/14 – Sheriff’s Deputies, Starke County EMS and the Bass Lake Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Road 10 and U.S. 35 in Knox.
6/20/14 – A resident in the 1700 block of North U.S. 35 in Knox asked for an officer to take a property damage report.
6/20/14 – Starke County Sheriff’s Deputies, DNR Law Enforcement and Starke County EMS responded to the Bass Lake Marina to tend to people involved in a jet ski accident. One crash victim complained of a leg injury.
6/20/14 – A deputy spoke to juveniles jumping off the Koontz Lake Bridge.
6/20/14 – A shopper reported a dog left inside a vehicle in the Save A Lot parking lot in Knox with the windows barely cracked.
6/20/14 – Dispatchers received a report of multiple shots fired at a residence on South Elm Street in Knox.
6/20/14 – A resident in the 4800 block of east 150 North in Knox told a deputy someone killed his cat and put it in his grill, and the residents are now afraid for their lives.
6/20/14 – Damon Ritchie, 19, of Knox, hit a deer on U.S. 30 just west of State Road 23.
6/21/14 – Dona Zank, 62, of North Judson, hit a tree in the roadway on 400 South and 800 West. She is not injured.
6/21/14 – A vehicle hit a buiding in the 2400 block of South U.S. 35 in Knox. No injuries were reported.
6/21/14 – A resident in the 5600 block of East Shady Lane in Knox reported someone shooting off excessive dynamite in the area for the second time that day.
6/21/14 – A Knox resident reported the theft of his cell phone and other items from the Bass Lake Beach today.
6/21/14 – Deputies received multiple reports of loud dynamite fireworks going off in the 6400 block of South State Road 10 in Knox.
6/22/14 – Deputies received multiple reports of loud dynamite fireworks going off in the 6400 block of South State Road 10 in Knox.
6/22/14 – A deputy took a report of gas stolen from a vehicle parked at a residence in the 2500 block of East 150 South in Knox.
6/22/14 – Sheila Ann Freet, 31, of Knox, hit a deer on U.S. 35 South at Toto Road.

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

6/17/14 – Winamac Police respond to a report of a vehicle stolen overnight.
6/17/14 – Winamac Police respond to a report of a gasoline drive-off. The suspect returned later and paid.
6/17/14 – Starke County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a report of a residential break-in and car chase. The suspect wrecked the vehicle he was driving, fled on foot and was apprehended.

Youngsters between the ages of 12 and 17 and their parents will have a chance to see firsthand the consequences of continued delinquent behavior as part of an upcoming program offered by the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. Participants in the two-hour “Think Before You Act” program will get a guided tour of Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall’s courtroom and have a chance to talk to him about the problems they are experiencing.

From there they will walk across the street to the Starke County Jail for an educational tour focused on making good choices. An employee from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department will show the youngsters most areas of the facility. They will also be paired up with an inmate to hear firsthand about life in jail.

While the youth are on their tour, their parents will attend an educational program hosted by a social worker from Lifeline. They will get information about juvenile services and community resources and discuss the challenges that confront youngsters and their families and may lead to involvement with the juvenile justice system. Afterward the youngsters and adults come together to talk about what they learned, discuss better choices both sides can make and take part in a question and answer session.

The first class is Wednesday, July 16 at 1:30 p.m. CDT. Applications are available at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department. The website http://thinkbeforeyouactstarkecounty.webs.com/ will soon have an application available for download. You can also contact Lori Tolson at 574-772-3771 ext. 2 or by email at ltolson@co.starke.in.us.

 

A habitual traffic violator faces new charges in Starke County after his arrest on Friday by a Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy. A vehicle driven by Steven Gott was pulled over on 350 East after running a stop sign, according to information from the sheriff’s department. Gott’s license is suspended, and he was also consuming alcohol while driving, according to the arrest report.

 

A Grovertown man faces multiple charges after detectives from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department served a warrant at his home late last week. Detective Rob Olejniczak says items reported stolen from the Grovertown home of Hope Grounds on June 15 were recovered at Stephen Danti’s residence in the 4000 North block of 1100 East.

Officers also found drugs and paraphernalia inside the residence, according to Olejniczak. Stephen Danti was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia. Several items reported stolen from the Grounds home are still missing. They include power tools, lawn equipment and other items. The break-in remains under investigation. Anybody with information is asked to contact Olejniczak at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771.

 

A Walkerton man was arrested Sunday after an allegedly battering his girlfriend.

Starke County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Walkerton police officers arrived at a home in the 8200 block of N. Oak Avenue in Koontz Lake after receiving word that a man was battering his girlfriend and a child was present.

Mitchell Platz, 29, had reportedly been drinking throughout the day during a function at the home when he started acting in a way that made others uncomfortable. The guests eventually left. When the victim went to bed, it was then when Platz allegedly attacked her. He reportedly hit her head with an open fist and grabbed her throat to the point when she lost consciousness for a brief period.

The battery ended briefly when a juvenile entered the room and began crying. The victim told the child to run to the neighbor’s house. Platz allegedly locked the door and kept her in the bedroom against her will and he continued battering her.

Platz’s mother arrived at the house and Platz went outside. The victim followed and Platz knocked her on the ground and stomped on her head. The victim told the child to call police.

Platz’s mother told police that the victim was attempting to take the child from her and that’s when her son reportedly threw the victim to the ground.

Mitchell Platz was arrested and booked into the Starke County Jail on preliminary felony charges of domestic battery in the presence of a child, strangulation and criminal confinement with bodily injury.

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents

6/23/14 – A resident in the 1500 block of East 100 South in Knox reported vandalism to his property.

6/23/14 – A gas station on U.S. 30 in Hamlet reported a drive-off in the amount of $47.28. The suspect’s vehicle is a maroon, two-door Pontiac.

6/23/14- Deputies responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 1700 block of South 350 East in Knox.

6/23/14 – A Volvo semi was involved in a minor accident at the Grovertown Truck Stop. No injuries were reported.

6/23/14 – A caller reported a couple of marijuana plants growing east of the Koontz Lake Dam past the Slip Away Bay along the empty concrete pad.

6/24/14 – Deputies were asked to remove a female from a residence in the 3200 block of south 1000 East in Knox.

6/24/14 – A resident in the 2000 block of North 700 East in Grovertown reported his Social Security number is being used.

6/24/14 – A resident in the 4200 block of South 700 East in Knox reported receiving a telephone call from 786-275-5076 and being told by a man that there was a virus on his computer. He said Skype kept trying to load something, so he shut down the computer and ended the call.

6/24/14 – A resident in the 9200 block of South 50 East in Knox said he was having computer problems and was told by his maintenance company that his IP address had been hijacked, possibly compromising his personal information.

6/25/14 – A resident in the 5400 block of East 800 South in Monterey said he thinks his girlfriend took his white Escalade without his permission when she moved out of his house 7 or 10 days ago. If not, he needs to report the vehicle stolen.

6/25/14 – Melissa Anderson of Grovertown advised someone tried to steal the radio out of her car the previous night. The vehicle was parked in the 9600 block of East 150 North in Knox at the time.

6/25/14 – A caller reported two dogs in a Chevrolet Suburban with the windows up in the Mark Bailey’s Discount Center parking lot and said they’ve been out there for about 30 minutes.

6/25/14 – Steve Ahlenius was involved in a vehicle versus deer accident at 10 East and 400 South in Knox.

6/25/14 – Deputies responded to the 7200 block of East 200 North in Grovertown after a report of verbal threats between the Waldrop families during a bankruptcy property auction.

6/25/14 – A resident in the 2800 block of East 100 South in Knox reported a pickup truck with a boat has either crashed or been abandoned in his yard.

6/25/14 – A resident in the 5700 block of South 250 West in North Judson asked deputies to remove two men from his property. He told police they were smoking marijuana in his garage with a family member, however officers found no evidence of drug activity. The men left without incident.

6/26/14 – A Knox resident who is staying in an RV on State Road 8 in Knox reported hearing two men talking outside her door around 11:30 p.m. the previous night. She said they said something about shooting her two dogs, and then they left.

6/26/14 – Dispatchers were notified of a residential holdup alarm coming from a home in the 10300 block of East 600 North and were unable to contact the keyholder.

6/26/14 – A caller in the 1200 block of South 1100 East in Knox reported a white SUV with Illinois license plates going back and forth in the area and stopping at mailboxes.

6/26/14 – A resident in the 4800 block of East 150 North in Knox told deputies she noticed the door of her camper was open yesterday and found white powder in both of the sinks.

6/26/14 – A resident in the 4300 block of North 1100 East in Grovertown reported someone put an M150 in her mailbox and set it off.

6/27/14 – Thomas D. Burlington of Hamlet struck a deer on State Road 10 just east of U.S. 421 in San Pierre.

6/27/14 – A Rockford resident said she lost her platinum white 1.5 carat gold emerald cut engagement ring with 16 small princess cut diamonds around it inside the residence at 11952 East South Ave. in Walkerton.

6/27/14 – The owner of a rental home in the 6100 clock of South State Road 10 in Knox told a deputy she believes someone has been inside the residence without her permission.

6/27/14 – A possible fight between two men was reported at a residence in the 10100 block of East State Road 8 in Knox.

6/27/14 – Multiple vehicles were involved in an accident at the intersection of U.S. 35 and Toto Road in Knox.

6/27/14 – Two vehicles were involved in a crash in front of the Grovertown Truck Stop.

6/27/14 – Deputies received a report of a teenage boy with a club walking toward an abandoned house in the 1100 block of East 150 South in Knox. An investigation found he tried unsuccessfully to kick the back garage door in before fleeing into the woods across the street. Deputies were unable to locate him.

6/27/14 – A resident in the 8100 block of South 600 East in Monterey reported his wife damaged his vehicle with a shovel.

6/28/14 – A property damage accident was reported in the 7200 block of East 400 North in Grovertown.

6/28/14 – A property damage accident was reported at the intersection of Toto Road and 250 West in North Judson.

6/28/14 – An inmate in the Starke County Jail told a jailer she believed there were three people inside her home, and nobody should be at her residence. She asked a jailer to check.

6/28/14 – A resident in the 4800 block of East 150 North in Knox reported someone taking gas from her vehicle.

6/28/14 – A resident in the 2800 block of East State Road 10 in Knox asked a deputy to remove people from her yard who are setting off fireworks.

6/28/14 – A resident in the 2900 block of South County Road 210 at Bass Lake reported loud music coming from her neighbor’s house. She said a deputy asked them earlier to quiet down, but the party has not gotten any quieter.

6/28/14 – A resident in the 2600 block of South 700 East in Knox said her 13-year-old son is getting harassing telephone calls from his father and is very upset. She said the father will not stop calling.

6/29/14 – Deputies responded to a possible fight behind Bielava Resort at Bass Lake.

6/29/14 – Starke County Sheriff’s Deputies and Walkerton Police responded to a residence in the 8200 block of North Oak Ave. in Koontz Lake for a domestic complaint. A woman reported her boyfriend has been beating her and trying to leave with their three-month-old child.

6/29/14 – A resident in the 1600 block of West Toto Road reported a woman is trying to enter her residence through the back door. Officers responded and arrested the suspect.

6/29/14 – Deputies were notified of a vehicle flipped over on 700 South west of 100 West in North Judson with its airbags deployed. However, nobody is in or near the vehicle.

6/29/14 – Deputies took a report of a vehicle versus deer report. The resident drove home and contacted authorities. It’s unclear where the crash occurred.

6/29/14 – Deputies responded to a vacant house on U.S. 35 south of U.S. 30 for a report that a padlock appears to have been cut.

Arrests

6/23/14 – Shelly Renee Day, 31, North Judson: Public intoxication.

6/26/14 – Stephen Louie Danti, 34, Grovertown: Possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and possession of paraphernalia.

6/27/14 – Steven L. Gott, 29, Mishawaka: Habitual Traffic Violator.

6/27/14 – Steve Clemons, no age or address given: Driving while suspended prior.

6/29/14 – Shayna Howard, no age or address given: residential entry, criminal mischief and public intoxication.

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents

6/23/14 – Deputies respond to a report of a fight between family members.

6/23/14 – Deputies took a report of a stolen motorized scooter.

6/23/14 – Deputies take a report of a stolen wallet.

6/27/14 – Deputies are called to remove an unwanted guest from a residence.

6/27/14 – Winamac Police are called to a gas station for a report of a drive-off. The man returned later and paid in full for his fuel purchase.

North Judson Town Marshal Doug Vessely

From the North Judson Police Department:

06/23/14 A parent reported a case of intimidation. The suspect reportedly threatened a juvenile and her family over the internet.

06/23/14 A written response was requested in reference to a follow-up on a battery case from last week. Police forwarded the information.

06/24/14 A garbage truck backed into a utility pole on Luken Street while attempting to empty a dumpster. The pole was broken causing a short electric outage for the area. Officers investigated the incident.

06/24/14 Police responded to a theft of a purse from an unlocked vehicle in the Dollar General Store parking lot. North Judson Police Chief Doug Vessely continues to encourage all citizens to keep your vehicles locked whenever unattended.

06/24/14 An employee at Carpenter’s Oil Company reported a $20.00 drive-off. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.

06/27/14 After a brief investigation, officers requested charges of invasion of privacy after a suspect allegedly violated a no contact order.

06/27/14 A loud noise complaint was filed by a residence in the 300 block of Main Street. Officer Rico Simpson believed the issue to involve fireworks, however no one was found to be in possession of fireworks.

06/28/14 A hit and run property damage accident occurred in the CVS Parking lot early afternoon causing damage to a 2004 four-door, silver Chevy. Anyone who may have seen something or knows who could have backed into this vehicle is asked to call the North Judson Police Department (574) 772-5914.

06/28/14 Police responded to a neighbor dispute where someone was yelling across the yards in the 6500 Block of Walnut Street.

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

North Judson Police Department

From the North Judson Police Department:

Incidents:
07/04/14 Officer Frank Thomas conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of State Road 10 and County Road 250 West. After a brief investigation, the driver of the vehicle, Mickey Lee Lonely, 25 of Valparaiso, was issued a Summons to Appear in Court for Driving While Suspended – Prior. The vehicle was released to a licensed driver.

07/04/14 Officers responded to a fireworks complaint in the 6100 block of Oakwood Street.

07/01/14 Police responded to numerous calls in reference to trees being down and power being lost in town do to a strong storm that came through the area on Monday night.

07/01/14 Officers responded to a complaint of theft from a vehicle in the 400 block of Main Street.

06/30/14 Police responded to a fireworks complaint in the 6100 block of Oakwood Street.

06/30/14 A scam was reported to police. The scammer advised the victim that he was with the IRS and wanted to collect on an outstanding tax debt. Police warn you that the IRS will not call you to collect on a tax debt. Do not give out any personal information and or send any money.

North Judson Police Department Monthly Report – June

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents:

7/1/14 – Deputies advised Winamac Fire Department that a substation or transfer station exploded.

7/1/14 – Deputies respond when a local resident reports that a few wires in a tree were sparking.

7/1/14 – Sheriff’s deputies take a theft report of air conditioner parts and copper pipes from an empty house.

7/1/14 – Deputies respond to a report of neighbors shooting guns in an unsafe manner.

7/1/14 – Winamac Police respond when a woman reports that a suspect had just came and stole $100 from her.

7/2/14 – Medaryville Police responded to a domestic battery.

7/2/14 – Winamac Police respond to a report of mail tampering.

7/2/14 – Sheriff’s deputies and Winamac Police respond to a report of a man harassing young girls.

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents

06/30/14 – An employee at Grovertown Truck Stop reported the theft of her cell phone while she was at work.

6/30/14 – Dispatchers received several reports of trees down and other storm damage. Sheriff’s deputies, volunteer firefighters and Starke County Highway Department employees took care of the problems.

7/1/14 – Diana Kay Duffee, 45, of North Judson hit a tree on 450 South at 100 East and sustained minor injuries.

7/1/14 – Russell C. Dulin, 60, of Knox hit some lines down on State Road 10 at the Marshall County line.

7/1/14 – Dispatchers received several reports of downed trees and power lines and other storm damage. Sheriff’s deputies, volunteer firefighters and Starke County Highway Department employees took care of the problems.

7/1/14 – A property owner in the 1800 block of east 250 South in Knox reported trespassers.

7/1/14 – A San Pierre resident reported all of the money was taken from her banking account.

7/1/14 – A resident in the 5400 block of East 800 South in Monterey reported the theft of his generator and his car.

7/1/14 – A resident in the 5300 block of south 250 East in Knox reported her neighbor is at her home with a gun and is upset because she and her family drove through his yard last night because trees were down. She said he pointed a gun at her father-in-law.

7/2/14 – A resident in the 4000 block of north 900 East in Grovertown reported the theft of her wallet and medication from inside her truck.

7/2/14 – A truck driver who parked at Grovertown Truck Stop overnight reported the theft of fuel from his semi.

7/2/14 – Deputies responded to an accident on U.S. 421 in the S curve in San Pierre. No injuries were reported.

7/2/14 – A resident in the 5100 block of south 275 West in North Judson reported the theft of a red-nosed pit bull the previous day.

7/2/14 – Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle versus deer accident in the 3700 block of South U.S. 421 in San Pierre.

7/2/14 – Joanna L. Deller, 32, of Winamac, was involved in a single-vehicle accident with injuries in the 6600 block of south 300 West in North Judson.

7/2/14 – A resident in the 3500 block of East 400 South reported the theft of his wood.

7/2/14 – A resident in the 4300 block of south 650 West in North Judson filed a report of telephone harassment.

7/3/14 – Joshua Cabe Sprinkle, 31, of Knox, hit a tree on 50 North east of 300 East in Knox. He told deputies something ran out into the road in front of his vehicle.

7/3/14 – A resident in the 5300 block of South Elm Street in Knox reported a possible telephone scam.

7/3/14 – A woman reported four men trying to beat her 17-year-old son at Koontz Lake Park. Later a witness called and said he saw the fight.

7/4/14 – A resident in the 4100 block of South U.S. 35 in Knox reported an intoxicated family member shot a 45-caliber revolver at her husband and her children. They fled the residence and waited for deputies at a nearby store.

7/4/14 – Michelle Lynn Fornelli, 37, of North Judson, was involved in a single-vehicle wreck with injuries at the intersection of U.S. 421 and State Road 10.

7/4/14 – A resident in the 3400 block of North 900 East in Grovertown said a man in a black Jeep-style four-door vehicle accused him of nearly causing an accident, backed into his driveway, got out and punched him before leaving northbound on 900 East. The victim said his glasses and dentures both got broken and requested medical attention.

7/4/14 – A resident in the 10300 block of east 700 North in Koontz Lake reported kids riding golf carts up and down the roads in the area. He said none of them are old enough to be driving, and he and several neighbors have complained on numerous occasions.

7/4/14 – A resident in the Koontz Lake area reported kids on golf carts throwing firecrackers at dogs in yards.

7/4/14 – Deputies received a report of two drunk men physically fighting in the 100 block of south 1025 East.

7/5/14 – A resident in the 8900 block of East Long Lane Drive in Knox reported her neighbors are very drunk and setting off fireworks after curfew.

7/5/14 – Dispatchers received a report of a dog locked inside a car at Bailey’s Discount Center in North Judson for over an hour.

7/5/14 – An employee of a Grovertown business asked to speak to an officer about a counterfeit bill.

7/5/14 – A resident in the 4700 block of south 750 West in North Judson reported his mailbox has been blown up.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 6700 block of south 700 East in Monterey reported is ex-girlfriend stole his dog.

7/6/14 – A contractor working on a foreclosed house in the 1700 block of west 450 South in North Judson reported the theft of a water heater.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 5600 block of south 210 in Knox filed a theft of jewelry report.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 5400 block of east 800 South in Monterey came to the sheriff’s department to file a vehicle theft report.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 2100 block of south State Road 39 in North Judson said someone took her vehicle from her house while she and her husband were gone overnight and wrecked it.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 8100 block of North Street in Walkerton reported the theft of $7,000 from her house while she was gone over the weekend.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 7800 block of west 850 South in San Pierre reported the theft of an air compressor from her yard.

7/6/14 – A resident in the 4300 block of south 800 West in San Pierre reported a vehicle versus tree accident near his house.

Arrests

7/5/14 – Ricky S. Lewis, 55, Walkerton – Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Class D felony)

7/6/14 0 Jerry Brzezinski, 52, No address listed – Public intoxication, disorderly conduct and trespass.

7/2/14 – Deputies respond to a report of a fight between neighbors.

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents:

7/11/14 – Winamac Police take a report of a lost or stolen debit card.

7/12/14- Winamac Police respond when a woman reported that a door at her work was open and was supposed to be shut and locked overnight.

7/12/14 – A man contacted sheriff’s deputies in order to file a harassment report and obtain a protective order against someone he says is harassing his family.

7/12/14- Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a fight.

7/12- Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a domestic dispute.

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents:

7/7/14 – Deputies took a report of a break-in at the Starke substation at U.S. 421 and State Road 10.

7/7/14 – A resident in the 6900 block of Homette Ave. in Knox reported their vehicles and steps were egged sometime overnight or this morning.

7/7/14 – A resident in the 8900 block of South Main St. in Ora reported someone she does not know is texting her 13-year-old daughter’s phone and asking her to meet them.

7/7/14 – A man told deputies another man in a blue Grand Prix with the driver’s window busted out stopped him on on the bridge on SR 23 over Koontz Lake and threatened him. He said the man keeps driving by.

7/7/14 – Deputies were called to a store on U.S. 30 to remove a possibly intoxicated patron who has been inside the establishment for nearly three hours and is making the female clerk very nervous.

7/8/14 – A resident in the 10500 block of East 900 North in Walkerton filed a theft report.

7/8/14 – A Monterey resident reported receiving a telephone call from a man with an Asian accent who told her about paperwork she had received from the court. When she told him she had not gotten any paperwork, he demanded she call him back at 844-244-4492. When she did, she got a busy signal. A deputy advised her not to answer any more calls from that number, as it is probably some sort of scam.

7/8/14 – A resident in the 1700 block of north 1025 East in Grovertown reported the side door of the garage was kicked in last night and items are missing.

7/8/14 – A resident in the 1800 block of east 250 South in Knox said he was walking when his neighbor’s dog tried to attack him. He and the neighbor got into a verbal argument over the situation.

7/8/14 – A deputy responded to a home in the 5800 block of east 450 South in Knox to settle a dispute between neighbors that reportedly turned physical.

7/8/14 – Nicholus Benjamin Ingram, 19, of North Judson, hit a deer on State Road 10.

7/9/14 – A Knox resident reported a telephone scam.

7/9/14 – A resident in the 6600 block of east Old U.S. 30 in Hamlet reported the theft of a stove and washer from the home.

7/9/14 – A Knox resident reported receiving a scam telephone call stating he had won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse sweepstakes and needed to send $500 to claim his prize. He did not send anything or give them any information.

7/9/14 – A resident in the 5000 block of south 275 West in North Judson reported someone stole the plate from her vehicle.

7/9/14 – A resident in the 1900 block of south 300 East reported the theft of a lawn tractor out of the yard the previous evening.

7/10/14 – The owner of a property in the 1400 block of West 400 South called from out of town to report someone possibly staying at her home without her permission.

7/10/14 – A pilot who landed his plane at the Starke County Airport reported an intimidation incident involving another person at the airport. The FAA has also been contacted, and copies of the police report have been forwarded to the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office.

7/10/14 – Reckless driving was reported in the area of 400 South and 200 East in Knox. The vehicle’s two occupants are reportedly hitting things by the side of the road.

7/11/14 – The owner of a property in the Lomax Station area of San Pierre reported someone cutting down trees on his property and parking a truck there without permission.

7/11/14 – Kathleen Gayle Riley, 52, of Medaryville, and Olga A. Matzat, 86, of Culver, were involved in a traffic accident at an unspecified location in Knox. Police, EMS and Bass Lake First Responders were all called to the scene. It’s unclear whether anybody was injured.

7/11/14 – The Bass Lake Fire Department was dispatched to The Pocket at Bass Lake where a golf cart burst into flames in the road while a man was riding it. No injuries were reported.

7/12 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Department, Starke County EMS and Bass Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch in the 1400 block of State Road 10 in front of Konrad Cabinets.

7/12/14 – A Monterey resident reported receiving harassing telephone calls from people in Florida. She said the number is a Magic Jack number that cannot be blocked.

7/12/14 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Department received a report of people on dirtbikes speeding, doing wheelies and burn outs on the slick pavement near the Koontz Lake Park.

7/12/14 – The owner of Russ’s Tire on State Road 10 in North Judson reported a white Ford Escort just went off the road into his parking lot and through his neighbor’s trees and yard before continuing south onto Range Road.

7/12/14 – Nicholas A. Radtke, 34, of North Judson hit a deer on State Road 39 at 500 South.

7/12/14 – A resident in the 1100 block of east 700 South in Knox reported a man came to her residence wanting to trim her trees.

7/13/14 – Guests at the Stay For Less Motel in Hamlet reported an intoxicated man is there trying to start fights with everyone.

7/13/14 – A Washington Township Volunteer Firefighter stopped at a home in the 400 block of south 800 East in Knox and extinguished a small fire under the home’s porch.

7/13/14 – The owner of a property in the 2500 block of South U.S. 35 in Knox reported someone spun around in his parking lot, flung rocks up, and they damaged his air conditioner. He will pull the tapes and try to get a vehicle description.

7/13/14 – Deputies were notified of a fight between two women in the 8800 block of North State Road 23 in Walkerton.

7/13/14 – A North Judson resident reported quite a few marijuana plants growing across the road from his residence.

Arrests:

7/8/14 – Jason E. Bloomfield, 36, Knox: Resisting law enforcement, O.V.W.I. (felony), possession of paraphernalia.

7/9/14 – Skylar Anthony Dewayne Daniels, 22, North Liberty: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of a syringe, possession of paraphernalia.

7/12/14 – Haily Michelle Nickerson, 21, South Bend: Possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana.

North Judson Town Marshal Doug Vessely

From the North Judson Police Department:

Incidents:

07/07/14 A resident in the 100 block of E. Talmer reported to North Judson Police that the two rear tires of her vehicle were cut or punctured.

07/07/14 Police issued several tall grass ordinance violations this week and three violations for no swimming pool permit. An additional four violation were issues for no animal tag[s]. The grass and animal violations are $50.00 each and the pool permit violations are $100.00 each.

“It’s very simple to avoid any fines,” said Town Marshall Doug Vessely. “Mow your lawn before the grass or weeds are eight inches tall, purchase animal tag[s] if you harbor a dog or a cat, and get any proper building, pool, or zoning permits. We don’t like writing ordinances violations, however it is necessary for those who refuse to follow the town’s rules.”

07/09/14 Several vandal calls were made to police. Several calls of vandalism, minor thefts, and destroyed property were made. A resident in the 600 block of Keller Avenue observed three to four juveniles running in the alley after hearing some noises. The calls ranged from a house number sign being taken and thrown into a neighbor’s yard, broken garage window, an American Flag taken down, an inflatable swimming pool being cut, small pool overturned, flower pots and solar lights being removed and relocated. Others included twigs in a mailbox, for sale signs being rearranged, a port-a-potty being overturned, and a bicycle being taken and located few blocks down the street. Most of the devious conduct was between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Almost all items were returned. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the North Judson Police at 574-896-5914. A cash reward leading to the arrest of any individuals will be offered.

07/09/14 Police responded to a call of trespassing and intimidation in the 600 block of Laurel. All parties were separated and criminal trespass warnings were issued.

07/09/14 An employee at the Dollar General Store informed officers of a shoplifter with Deputy Chief Joe Budner responding. After an initial investigation, Victoria Ann Goetz was arrested and charged with the new misdemeanor theft charge.

07/09/14 North Judson Police Officer Rico Simpson conducted a traffic stop on Talmer Avenue near George Street resulting in the arrest of the driver, Donald L. Peretti, for a Failure to Appear warrant through Pulaski County. He was also issued a uniform traffic ticket for no motorcycle endorsement.

07/09/14 A vehicle owner reported to police that her vehicle sustained a broken windshield while parked at the CVS parking lot.

07/09/14 A report of a family/domestic dispute was made in the 6100 block of Hubeny. No physical injures or touching was reported. The parties were separated for the evening.

07/09/14 Police responded to an unwanted guest in a family dispute on Woodlawn Drive. Officer Rico Simpson arrived and arrested Crystal Leeann Johnson-Coty on a preliminary charge of possession of a controlled substance.

07-10-14 Just before 8 a.m., a Gary, Indiana woman, driving a USPS-leased delivery truck was exiting the North Judson Post Office when she went east out of the old Farmer’s Bank and Trust drive-thru. The North Judson Police were summoned and considerable damage was sustained by the truck and the drive-thru structure. North Judson Deputy Chief, Joe Budner investigated the incident and estimated damages at over $15,000.

07/11/14 A report of a suspicious circumstance was made in the area of Keller and Central Avenues in reference to a lady throwing her shoes at passing vehicles. The woman was calmed down and returned home. No damages were reported.

07/12/14 An early morning dog walk upset a resident who called the North Judson Police in reference to a large pit bull running loose in the 200 block of Park Avenue. The animal was returned to his owner on Park Avenue. The owner was issued a $50.00 ticket for no dog tag, and a verbal warning for running at large. The caller was walking her dog and felt unsafe with the pit bull freely roaming. All animals must have a license, remain on your own property unless on a leash, and you must clean up after the animal.

07/12/14 A bicycle was reported damaged in the 200 block of Franklin Street. An unknown subject put a pitch fork prong through the front tire. The pitch fork was taken into evidence. It is older with a broken handle.

07/12/14 Another domestic/family dispute was reported in the 400 block of High Street. Police advised all parties to move along and a verbal criminal trespass warning was issued.

07/13/14 Officer Nick Vanni conducted a traffic stop in the early morning hours, and after an investigation arrested Joseph P. Danti of North Judson for operating a vehicle dangerously while intoxicated and for over .15 BAC.

Arrests:
06/30/14 Donald E. Husband, 32, 4315 S. 800 W, of San Pierre, IN arrested on a preliminary charge of Public Intoxication.

07/02/1 Denzil Fletcher, 62, 101 Main Street, #3, of North Judson, IN arrested on a preliminary charge of trespassing.

07/04/12 Mickey lee Loney, 25, 37 Colonial Ave., of Valparaiso, IN, arrested on a preliminary charge of driving while suspended prior.

07/09/14 Victoria Ann Goetz, 18, of Hamlet, IN, arrested on a preliminary charge of theft.

07/09/14 – Donald L. Peretti, 31, 5206 S. A Street, of North Judson, IN arrested for FTA warrant from Pulaski County reference to small claims.

07/10/14 Crystal Leeann Johnson-Coty, 28, 5875 W. Woodland Dr., of North Judson, IN, arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

07/13/14 Joseph P. Danti, 22, 3387 W. Tulip Ct., of North Judson, IN arrested on preliminary charges of operating a vehicle dangerously while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated over .15 BAC.

 

A fatal Saturday crash on a rural North Judson road remains under investigation. It happened just before noon on County Road 350 West north of 500 South, according to a news release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.

A vehicle driven by Blake Jurcik, 20, of North Judson, hit a tree. He was trapped in the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene from massive blunt force trauma. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.

Police reports are not an indication of guilt. They are merely a record that an incident was reported to the authorities. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Starke County Sheriff Oscar Cowen

Starke County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents:

7/14/14 – A farmer reported vandalism to an irrigation system at 200 North and 600 East in Knox. This is a recurring problem.

7/14/14 – A resident in the 1600 block of East 625 South reported the theft of several collectible coins from the home.

7/14/14 – Guns were reported stolen from a residence in the 6300 block of South Rannells Road West in Knox. An occupant of the home claimed two guys wearing black masks broke in, took the guns and threatened to kill him if he told anyone. The property owner then called the sheriff’s department and advised his cousin had stolen the guns and pawned them.

7/14/14 – Deputies responded to a report of shoplifting at the Grovertown Truck Stop.

7/14/14 – A resident in the 5100 block of South 1100 West in San Pierre reported someone shot a hole through her bedroom window. She said she heard someone shooting in the woods behind her property around noon and advised her family was at home at the time.

7/15/14 – A farmer reported a truck has been backing into his field at U.S. 421 and County Road 650 South in San Pierre, damaging his crop.

7/15/14 – Fuel and a battery were reported stolen from a farm field on north of U.S. 30 on 900 East in Grovertown.

7/16/14 – A resident in the 5000 block of South 275 West in North Judson reported the license plate was stolen from her truck a few weeks ago.

7/16/14 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Department, Starke County EMS and California Township Volunteer Fire Department First Responders respond to a report of a vehicle in a ditch ¼ mile east of Bailey’s on State Road 10.

7/16/14 – A resident in the 6300 block of South Rannells Road West in Knox reported the theft of items.

7/16/14 – Deputies responded to a report of a white BMW that wrecked into a median on U.S. 30 ¼ mile east of U.S. 35. Before that dispatchers in LaPorte County said the car hit a semi and took off. The driver was treated and released at IU Health Starke Hospital and advised of possible pending charges when results arrive.

7/17/14 – A sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a vehicle versus deer accident on 25 North west of 600 East in Knox.

7/17/14 – A San Pierre resident reported a scam.

7/17/14 – A resident in the 3200 block of West 400 South in North Judson reported the theft of items from his garage.

7/17/14 – A trail camera and $100 worth of fuel were reported stolen from a farm field ¼ mile north of 900 East and 500 North.

7/17/14 – Deputies were advised an unoccupied home in the 4400 block of South Dawn Drive in North Judson was broken into.

7/18/14 – Items were reported stolen from a home in the 1600 block of North U.S. 35 in Knox.

7/18/14 – Deputies responded to a property damage accident at the intersection of Toto Road and U.S. 35 in Knox.

7/18/14 – A resident in the 6800 block of East Oakwood Ave. in Knox reported being harassed by a neighbor.

7/19/14 – Multiple agencies responded to an accident with injuries at the intersection of 500 East and 250 North in Grovertown.

7/19/14 – A property damage accident was reported at the intersection of 300 West and 800 South in North Judson.

7/19/14 – North Judson Police, Starke County EMS, First Responders and the Starke County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a vehicle versus tree accident in the 5100 block of South 350 West in North Judson. The driver, Blake James Jurcik, 20, of North Judson, was pronounced dead at the scene.

7/20/14 – A resident in the 8200 block of North Blackhawk Avenue in Walkerton reported someone let the air out of her tires and wrote “eat me” on the side of her car.

7/20/14 – Angela D. Valdez, 34, of North Judson, hit a deer on State Road 10 just east of State Road 39.

7/20/14 – The brakes on a vehicle driven by Ethan M.J. Jesuit, 24, of Rensselaer, failed, and he hit a tree at the intersection of 100 East and 150 South.

Arrests:

7/14/14 – Shawn A. Bumbalough, 36, Knox – Theft and false reporting.

Pulaski County Sheriff Michael Gayer

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department

Incidents:

7/15/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and Winamac Police respond to a civil disturbance.

7/15/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond when a man requests a protective order after noticing some threatening acts from a few subjects.

7/15/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond when a woman receives threatening text messages after selling a hot tub on Craiglist.

7/15/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a report of an altercation between a caregiver and the wife of her patient.

7/15/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and Winamac Police respond to a domestic dispute.

7/16/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and Medaryville Police respond when a woman reports that she believes that her sister-in-law is being abused.

7/16/14 – Winamac Police respond when a woman reports that her bike had been stolen from her porch.

7/17/14 – Medaryville Police and Francesville Police respond to the report of a break-in at an unoccupied house.

7/17/14 – Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to a domestic dispute.