EVANSVILLEWATCH.com

Do You Know These Grocery Store Thieves?

2012-02-16T12:36:00.001-06:00

The Evansville Police Department has released the following videos hoping the public can help identify the thieves shown. Police suspect these 3 people in four thefts from cash registers at different grocery stores across Evansville. They say the MO usually involves two of the suspects blocking the cashier's view as the third suspect steals the cash from an adjacent, unattended register. They operate quickly and the thefts usually go undetected until the register is opened later by an employee. Here is the statement released with the videos from the EPD: We are trying to identify the three subjects in this video. Call 812-436-7979 if you can tell us who they are.

Police Blotter: February 16th

2012-02-16T10:48:00.000-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 15, 2012.
ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
EVSC - Administration Office Victim of Theft-from building at 4720 Stringtown Rd Evansville, IN between 08:00 01/02/2010 and 15:00 12/06/2010. Reported 02/15/2012.
"Reporter notified law enforcement that money had been stolen from a building."

Davis, Allen Victim of Robbery-armed w/ firearm at 1000 S Governor St Evansville, IN on 02/04/2012, 23:50. Reported 02/15/2012.
"The victim stated that he was robbed of $1700 in cash by subjects armed with handguns."

James, Cassidy Lynn Arrest on charge of Theft-from building at 406 S Green River Rd......Society Victim of Theft from building at 406 S Green River Rd Evansville, IN between 17:45 02/15/2012 and 18:40 02/15/2012.
"Officers were dispatched to 406 S Green River Rd in reference to a hit and run. Officers arrived and spoke to the victim who said that a red passenger car had struck his vehicle and left the scene. While on scene officers were told by dispatch that another hit and run had just occurred at Lincoln Ave and Cullen. Dispatch also advised that the suspect vehicle was struck on the side of the road on Cullen near Bellemeade and that the driver and a passenger had fled on foot. Officers located the driver and passenger and they were transported to VCCC."

Vallee, Christopher Lee Arrest on charge of Narc-poss methamphetamine......Wolfe, Rebecca Lynn Arrest on charge of Narc-poss methamphetamine......Society Victim of Narc-possession Methamphetamine at 2230 N First Ave Evansville, IN between 20:52 02/15/2012 and 20:54 02/15/2012.
"Officers were patrolling south on First Ave and stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver was suspended prior, had no proof of insurance for the vehicle. The driver and passenger were in possession of narcotics."

Adult Bookstore Victim of Theft-shoplifting Theft-other <200 at 519 N Main St Evansville, IN between 01:04 02/15/2012 and 01:15 02/15/2012.
"Officers were dispatched to the Adult Bookstore in reference to theft of items. When I arrived I spoke with the reporter that told me the three suspects were in the store picking up several items and asking him about several items. The clerk told me they were all taking turns walking up and trying to distract him while the others took things. The suspect that took all of the items except the desensitizer was the same person that used her credit card earlier for a few purchases. The male suspect took only the desensitizer. All three suspects walked out the front door and then walked south on Main St. Officers checked the area but could not find the suspects."

Early Morning Crash Leads to Two Arrests

2012-02-16T09:56:00.001-06:00

Gibson County – Early Thursday morning, February 16, at approximately 1:45 a.m., Indiana State Police and Gibson County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single vehicle crash with injuries on C.R. 1025 South approximately 1/8 west of U.S. 41 near Tri-State Speedway. When emergency personnel arrived they found a 2011 Chevrolet passenger car had left the roadway and struck a telephone pole, but no one was around the vehicle. While searching the area, Trooper Paul Stolz found Danny Joe Gatewood, 28, and Christina Pegram, 22, both from Patoka, hiding in a ditch approximately ¼ mile west of the crash. “I could smell the strong odor of alcohol on both of them and their balance was impaired,” said Trooper Stolz. Further investigation revealed Gatewood was driving eastbound on C.R. 1025 South near the race track when he left the roadway and struck the telephone pole totaling the vehicle. Gatewood and Pegram, who was a passenger in the vehicle, then fled the crash site before emergency personnel arrived. Gatewood and Pegram were not injured. They were both arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where they are currently being held on bond. While being booked-in at the jail, Gatewood became uncooperative and resisted officers and jail personnel.

ARRESTED AND CHARGES:
• Danny Joe Gatewood, 28, Patoka, IN
1. Driving While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor
2. Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Class B Misdemeanor
3. Battery, Class A Misdemeanor
4. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
5. Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor
6. Public Intoxication, Class B Misdemeanor

• Christina Pegram, 22, Patoka, IN
1. Public Intoxication, Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Paul Stolz, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Gibson County Sheriff’s Department and Owensville Town Marshall

*Information/pictures from Indiana State Police

Lane Restrictions on I-64 on Thursday

2012-02-16T07:12:00.001-06:00

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is advising motorists there will be temporary lane restrictions on Interstate 64 (I-64) in Spencer and Perry counties.

On Thursday, February 16th, INDOT crews will be performing maintenance work on I-64 from State Road 162 (Exit 63) to State Road 37 (Exit 79). It is anticipated all work will begin at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time and be complete by 3:00 p.m., weather permitting. All lanes of I-64 in each direction will be affected during this time.

INDOT reminds motorists to follow the posted work zone speed limit, use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone. For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.in.gov

Police Blotter: February 13th

2012-02-13T14:10:00.001-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 12, 2012.
ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Bell, Dustin Paul Victim of Traffic accident Hit & Run / unattended property at 1414 S Linwood Ave Evansville, IN on 02/12/2012, 14:40.
"Officers Holden and Offerman were attempting to get a stop on a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle pulled into a carport at 1414 S Linwood. After officers rolled past, the suspect vehicle then backed out of the carport sideswiping the victim's vehicle. The victim came out of his apartment to inspect the damage. The suspected stated to him 'I hit your truck but I didn't do that big dent.' The suspect vehicle left east down the alley between Taylor and Jackson. The driver/suspect parked the vehicle in a drive at Evans and Jackson then fled on foot. The juvenile passenger was taken into custody. The vehicle was later determined to be stolen from Kentucky but not entered into NCIC. The owner recovered the vehicle. The suspect was wearing a white shirt, jeans and red hat when he fled. The passenger refused to identify the suspect."

Landmark Baptist Church Victim of Criminal Mischief at 1624 S Helfrich Ave. Evansville, IN between 16:00 02/11/2012 and 08:30 02/12/2012.
"Victim's representative states that some time between 4pm 02/11/2012 and 0830hrs 02/12/2012, person(s) unknown threw a rock through one of the glass panes on a window on the east side of the church (rear). The rock is consistent with the rocks in the alley along the rear of the church."

Schnuck's Washington Victim of Theft-shoplifting Theft-other <200 at 4600 Washington Ave Evansville, IN between 14:15 02/12/2012 and 14:31 02/12/2012.
"Officers were dispatched to 4600 Washington Ave for a shoplifter. Officers arrived and spoke to Schnuck's Loss Prevention Officer Joseph Brooks. Brooks stated that on today's date around 1415 hours a black male wearing a grey long shirt, grey sweat pants and grey hat entered the store, selected $63.00 worth of crab legs and then exited the store with the items in a cart passing all points of sale without paying for the items. The male was stopped by LPO Brooks just outside the store. The male told Brooks that he was going to his truck to get his food stamp card. Brooks allowed the male to walk up to a black Ford F-150 4 door pickup truck with damage to the driver side front fender and being driven by a white female. The black male was unable to find his 'card' and returned to the store with LPO Brooks to do paperwork to ban him from the store. Once inside the store the male would not provide Brooks with any identification and took off out of the store leaving the items behind in his cart. LPO Brooks stated the items were recovered and the male did not get away with any items."

Veolia Solid Waste Management Victim of Arson-all other structures at 499 Negley AVe/N Elliott St Evansville, IN between 15:09 02/12/2012 and 15:13 02/12/2012.
"Witnesses saw two subject throw something into a dumpster and then watch as it began burning and the suspects fled the scene. Subjects were located and identified."

Greenlee, Jeremy Ray Victim of Battery-serious injury/knife at 1608 N Fifth Ave Evansville, IN between 17:30 02/12/2012 and 17:40 02/12/2012.
"Officers were dispatched to 1608 N Fifth Ave to a medical emergency. Upon arrival the victim, Jeremy Greenlee, told officers that he was stabbed while walking back from the Royal Wesselmans on Fulton Ave. Greenlee stated that an unknown black male was approaching him walking SB on Fulton as he was walking NB on Fulton. Greenlee stated that the unknown male began 'mouthing off' to him. Greenlee told officers that him and the subject exchanged words and an altercation began. Greenlee stated that they began fighting and the next thing he realized was that the subject had pulled out a knife. Greenlee was stabbed by the unknown subject in the arm. Greenlee was able to run away from the subject and make his way to 1608 N Fifth where the mother of his child resides. The mother of Greenlee's child, Samantha Murphy, called 911 for him at this time. K9 attempted to track but there had been too many people walking the sidewalk to have any success. AMR was dispatched and Greenlee was transported with non life threatening injuries to Deaconess Hospital. Crime Scene was dispatched to Deaconess Hospital for photographs. Detective with EPD AIU responded to the scene and was able to obtain a statement about the incident from Greenlee."

Truck Drivers Collide and Escape Serious Injury

2012-02-13T10:48:00.001-06:00

Gibson County – Monday morning, February 13, at approximately 6:45, Indiana State Police responded to a crash at S.R. 68 and I-69 that injured a Haubstadt truck driver and totaled both trucks.

Preliminary investigation revealed Lucas Wellmeyer, 29, of Winslow, was driving a 2007 Ford F750 truck westbound on S.R. 68 when he turned left to exit onto I-69 south and pulled into the path of an eastbound 2012 Peterbilt dump truck. Both vehicles collided and came to a final rest in the eastbound lane. The driver of the dump truck, William Tenbarge, 62, of Haubstadt, was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital where he is currently being treated for minor injuries. Wellmeyer was not injured and was cited for failure to yield. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Aaron Kaucher, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officer: Senior Trooper Kevin Ellison, Indiana State Police

*Information and pictures from the Indiana State Police

Traffic Alerts for Monday

2012-02-13T08:37:00.001-06:00

We have 2 traffic alerts to make you aware of for today, Monday - February 13th:
*HENDERSON - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to place lane restrictions on the US 41 Twin Bridges at Henderson on Monday, February 13, 2012.

The lane restrictions are to allow maintenance on the bridge navigational lights.

Northbound motorists can expect to encounter a lane restriction starting at 9:00 a.m., Monday. All northbound traffic will move to the left-hand or passing lane on the bridge approach to allow electricians to have access to the bridge structure. Work on the northbound side is expected to take about 2 hours.

Once work is completed on the northbound bridge, the work zone will move to the southbound structure. During this phase of work all southbound traffic will move to the left-hand or passing lane to allow electricians to access the bridge structure. Work on the southbound bridge is expected to take about two hours to complete.

This work zone is scheduled on a weather permitting basis.

The US 41 Twin Bridges, also known as the Bi-State Viet Nam Gold Star Memorial Bridges, are located at US 41 mile point 19.649 about a mile south of the Kentucky-Indiana State Line. They carry approximately 37,000 vehicles per day across the Ohio River between Henderson, KY, and Evansville, IN.

The bridges are located about a mile downstream from the confluence of the Green River and the Ohio River at Ohio River navigation mile point 786.8.

The northbound bridge was opened to traffic on July 4, 1932. The southbound bridge was opened to traffic in December 1966.

Timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KYTC Highway District 2 are available by going towww.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

*VANDERBURGH COUNTY - Browning Rd from Boonville-New Harmony Rd to Schlensker Rd will be closed from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Monday, February 13th. This closure is for pipe installation.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued (Updated)

2012-02-13T08:14:00.001-06:00

*Updated 2:50pm 02/13/12: Here is an updated snowfall forecast map issued by the National Weather Service. Snow totals have increased slightly for areas along and north of the Ohio River:

*Original Post: The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for most of the tri-state. The advisory is in effect from noon on Monday through 6am on Tuesday. Although any snow and ice accumulations will be light, they should be enough to create some travel problems. The current forecast is predicting about an inch of snow for much of the region. You can follow the latest developments with this winter storm system here on EvansvilleWatch.com. Under our Pages section at top, you can connect to our Local Weather and Winter Weather sites for the latest details from the National Weather Service!

Here is today's NWS Weather Story from the Paducah office:
As a storm system moves out of the central plains today, it will produce a combination of snow and freezing precipitation across the quad state region today and tonight. Even though snow and ice accumulations with this sytem are not expected to be significant, it should be enough to impact travel across the region. Persons travelling across the quad state today and tonight should be prepared for slippery conditions and allow extra time to reach their destinations

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PADUCAH KY
423 AM CST MON FEB 13 2012

WINTRY PRECIPITATION A GOOD BET TODAY AND TONIGHT...

AS A STORM SYSTEM MOVES EASTWARD OUT OF THE CENTRAL PLAINS TODAY
IT WILL SPREAD PRECIPITATION IN THE FORM OF SNOW AND/OR FREEZING RAIN
ACROSS THE QUAD STATE REGION. ALTHOUGH SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS ARE
NOT EXPECTED TO BE SIGNIFICANT...THERE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO IMPACT
TRAVEL ACROSS THE AREA.


WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM CST
TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PADUCAH HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN WHICH IS IN EFFECT
FROM NOON TODAY TO 6 AM CST TUESDAY.

* TIMING: THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TONIGHT

* MAIN IMPACT: TRAVEL ACROSS THE AREA WILL LIKELY BE AFFECTED.
  PERSONS PLANNING TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE AREA TODAY AND TONIGHT
  SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY CONDITIONS AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME
  TO REACH THEIR DESTINATIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING

VCSO News Release RE: Injury Crash at Diamond Ave & Detroy Rd

2012-02-12T15:29:00.000-06:00

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office has issued the following news release regarding an injury accident Sunday morning at Diamond Ave and Detroy Rd.

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office was dispatched at approximately 11:15am to Diamond Ave and Detroy Rd regarding an injury crash. Central Dispatch advised two vehicles were involved and two subjects needed to be extricated.

Upon arrival, deputies observed a silver Ford Escape SUV sitting sideways in the westbound lane of Diamond Avenue and a black Chevy Blazer SUV resting off the northbound roadway of Diamond Avenue. Both vehicles had extensive damage.

German Township Fire personnel had to extricate the driver of the Ford Escape, identified as George Deig, who was conscious but suffered head injuries. The driver of the Chevy Blazer, identified as Adam Stinnett, was extricated and suffered from possible broken bones. A passenger in the Chevy Blazer, identified as Lori Jennings, was removed with a complaint of pain.

Deputies spoke to Jennings who stated they were traveling westbound on Diamond Ave when she observed a vehicle cross northbound through the intersection of Diamond Ave and Detroy Rd. Jennings stated the Ford Escape followed behind the vehicle and into their path. She stated they were unable to avoid collision with the Ford Escape.

All parties involved were transported to Deaconess Hospital. Though deputies do no believe drugs or alcohol were a factor, blood tests were taken from both drivers as part of the investigation. The crash remains under investigation.

Driver #1:
George Deig
w/m 86 YOA
Evansville, Indiana

Driver #2:
Adam Stinnett
w/m 27 YOA
Wadesville, Indiana

Passenger #1:
Lori Jennings
w/m 45 YOA
Evansville, Indiana

NWS Forecasting Minor Snow Accumulation Monday Night/Tuesday (Updated)

2012-02-12T13:10:00.001-06:00

EvansvilleWatch Weather Update: Here is the latest snowfall forecast map from the National Weather Service in Paducah. This map doesn't cover the entire region, but you get the idea. Current thinking with this approaching storm is snowfall totals of 1 - 2" for much of the area. This will not be a major event by any stretch of the imagination, but it should be enough to cause some travel problems overnight Monday and into the first half of the day on Tuesday. The snow will not stick around long. Forecast high temperatures will be in the upper 30's on Tuesday and pushing 50 degrees on Wednesday. Check back from time to time through Monday for the latest on this storm from the National Weather Service. We will keep you updated here on EvansvilleWatch.com. The latest weather information from the NWS can be found in our "Pages" section at top by clicking on the Local Weather or the Winter Weather tabs.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding this upcoming snow event:
Special Weather Statement:
WINTRY PRECIPITATION EXPECTED LATE MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT...

WINTRY PRECIPITATION IS FORECAST TO DEVELOP OVER SOUTHEAST
MISSOURI BY MONDAY AFTERNOON...AND THEN SPREAD EAST OF THE
MISSISSIPPI RIVER INTO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND FAR WEST KENTUCKY
TOWARD THE END OF THE DAY MONDAY...INTO MONDAY EVENING. THE
ACTIVITY SHOULD REACH SOUTHWEST INDIANA AND THE PENNYRILE REGION
OF WEST KENTUCKY LATER MONDAY EVENING.

MAINLY SNOW IS EXPECTED NORTH OF ROUTE 13 IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND
ACROSS SOUTHWEST INDIANA WITH SOME SLEET POSSIBLE. SNOW...SLEET
AND A CHANCE OF RAIN IS FORECAST OVER PORTIONS OF WEST KENTUCKY
AND INTO SOUTHEAST MISSOURI TOWARD THE BOOTHEEL. OVER THE
REMAINDER OF THE REGION...MAINLY SNOW AND SLEET ARE ANTICIPATED.

1 TO PERHAPS 2 INCHES OF SNOW MIXED WITH SOME SLEET...IS FORECAST
OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI...SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND
SOUTHWEST INDIANA. AMOUNTS AROUND 1 INCH WILL BE POSSIBLE OVER
WEST KENTUCKY. TOTALS MAY BE LOWER TOWARD THE TENNESSEE BORDER
SHOULD MORE SLEET AND RAIN FACTOR IN MONDAY NIGHT. AS THE
PRECIPITATION ENDS FROM WEST TO EAST MONDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY
TUESDAY...IT SHOULD TRANSITION TO MAINLY LIGHT DRIZZLE...OR
FLURRIES. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE CANNOT BE RULED OUT IN AREAS
THAT DIP JUST BELOW 32 DEGREES BY TUESDAY MORNING.

GIVEN THE COMPLEXITY OF THE FORECAST WITH RESPECT TO PRECIPITATION
TYPE...FORECAST AMOUNTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SHOULD COLDER
AIR HOLD ACROSS THE REGION...SNOW TOTALS MAY HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED
UPWARD SLIGHTLY. SHOULD WARMER AIR MOVE FARTHER NORTH THAN
EXPECTED FROM THE TENNESSEE VALLEY...THEN WINTRY PRECIPITATION
TOTALS WILL LIKELY BE LOWER. TEMPERATURES NOT FAR FROM 32 DEGREES
WILL ALSO PLAY A ROLE IN ACCUMULATION EFFICIENCY. SO STAY TUNED
FOR LATER STATEMENTS AND POSSIBLE ADVISORIES...AS THE CONCERN
STILL EXISTS FOR TRAVEL IMPACTS ACROSS THE REGION LATE MONDAY AND
ESPECIALLY MONDAY NIGHT
(Issued 2:52pm 02/12/12)

Police Blotter: February 12th

2012-02-12T11:45:00.001-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 11, 2012
ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
Browne, Kit Alan Arrest on charge of Burglary-residential at 717 Cherry St......Deffendall, John Robert Victim of Burglary-residential at 717 Cherry St Evansville, IN between 05:18 02/11/2012 and 05:24 02/11/2012.
"Officers were dispatched to 717 Cherry St in reference to a residential burglary report. Once on scene officers spoke with the victim about the incident. While officers were still in the area the offender showed back up on scene and was caught trying to enter the complex. The offender was then transported to Head Quarters for further investigation. After further investigation, the offender was transported to VCJ and booked in for Residential Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief."

Alvey, William Andrew Arrest on charge of Traffic Accident Hit & Run / unattended property at 2402 Joan Place on 02/11/2012......Feldmann, Francis J. Victim of Traffic Accident Hit & Run / unattended property at 900 Negley Ave Evansville, IN between 18:30 02/11/2012 and 18:35 02/11/2012.
"Officer were dispatched to a five vehicle hit and run in the 900 block of Negley Ave. Witnesses advised that a white male was driving a maroon Ford Explorer eastbound on Negley and hit a vehicle. He then pushed that vehicle into two other vehicles and also hit another vehicle with his vehicle. He caused major damage to vehicle 1, vehicle 2 and vehicle 3. He also caused moderate damage to vehicle 4 and vehicle 5. Two witnesses observed him take the plate off and run eastbound from the wreck. Officers eventually located the driver, William Alvey, and he admitted post-Miranda that he was the driver. He was transported to VCCC and booked on four counts of hit and run and driving while suspended-prior. He was not charged with PI because he was located inside a residence and he was not charge with OMVWI due to the time elapsed between the initial collision and officers locating him."

McNulty, Bradley J. Victim of Battery-Injury at 2675 Mount Vernon Ave/W Virginia St Evansville, IN between 21:34 02/11/2012 and 21:35 02/11/2012.
"At 2137 hours, Bradley McNulty contacted police to report that he had just been assaulted at the intersection of Mt Vernon Ave and W Virginia St. McNulty originally reported he believed the suspect was at a nearby location. I arrived on scene at 2142 hours and met with McNulty and Rebecca Briggs who were both intoxicated. McNulty and Briggs stated they were inside the Corner Bar & Grill (2668 Mt. Vernon Ave). McNulty advised two unknown white males exited the bar right after them. McNulty stated one of these white males began a verbal confrontation with him for an unknown reason. McNulty told me the suspect and he were standing on the sidewalk in front of the bar when the suspect punched him once in his mouth. McNulty stated the suspect and the male accompanying him left the scene on foot. McNulty sustained a bad laceration to his bottom lip as a result of this assault. McNulty refused medical treatment at the scene but advised he would probably seek medical attention at a hospital later tonight. Briggs stated she witnessed the aforementioned assault against McNulty. Briggs Advised following this assault she observed the suspect and the male accompanying him get into a vehicle that was parked in the lot of a nearby church. Briggs stated that this vehicle left the scene. ..."

Drug Complaint Leads to Arrest at Lee's Inn

2012-02-11T15:03:00.001-06:00

Vanderburgh County – This morning, February 11, at approximately 8:00, Indiana State Police investigated a drug complaint in a hotel room at Lee’s Inn, which is located at 5538 East Indiana Street, Evansville. When troopers arrived they found Jesse Shelton, 23, of Evansville, inside the hotel room. Troopers didn’t find any drug activity inside the room, but when they searched Shelton’s U-Haul truck in the parking lot they found a trash bag containing ingredients commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Shelton was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.

ARRESTED AND CHARGE:
* Jesse Allen Cole Shelton, 23, 649 East Maryland, Evansville, IN
1. Manufacturing Meth, Class B Felony

Investigating Officers: Trooper Doug Francis and Senior Trooper Bill Gadberry
Assisting Officer: Trooper John Puskas
Assisting Agency: Evansville Police

*Information from the Indiana State Police

Police Blotter: February 11th

2012-02-11T14:23:00.001-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 10, 2012
ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
Cannon, John Ed (white male, 32) Arrest on charge of Theft Receive <$100,000 at 1408 S. Grand Ave on 02/10/2012......Society Victim of Theft Receive <$100,000 at 1408 S Grand Ave Evansville, IN on 02/10/2012, 20:58.
"I was checking the area of 1408 S. Grand. The day before I was dispatched to this address to check the welfare of a missing 21 year old female with a mental handicap. She was in the computer as an endangered missing adult. No one was home at that time. Today I received information that there was possibly meth activity at this house. I drove by the house and saw that all the lights were off and no vehicle out front. I drove around to the alley and saw a red truck sitting behind 1408 with a male driver and female passenger. There was an alert on the male that lives here, John Cannon that he said he would go to 'war' if the police ever came to his house and he would shoot it out with them. Also, John had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. I put my spotlight on the vehicle and got out of my police car with my duty weapon out. I yelled for both subjects to show me their hands. They did not and I yelled my orders again. The male driver put the vehicle in drive and took off. I pursued the vehicle. During the pursuit Cannon hit a vehicle that was north on Kentucky and injured the driver. He then continued through Akin Park and around the neighborhood. He slammed on his brakes at Akin and Madison where I ran into the back of his vehicle with my police car. He then exited the vehicle and I got him at gunpoint and told him to get on the ground. He then fled on foot east and then north. I was able to catch him one block north on Jefferson and take him to the ground. He continued to resist after I shouted verbal commands to put his hands behind his back. Officer J. McQuay arrived and fired his ECD. Cannon then complied with our commands and he was taken into custody. After handcuffed, officers found a loaded .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun in his back pocket that was stolen. He also had some marijuana and a Schedule II narcotic pill in his possession. Inside the cab of his pick up truck was a loaded AR-15 and the safety was off."

Cox, Leslie Sue (white female, 38) Victim of Battery-simple assault other at 101 N Green River Rd Evansville, IN between 20:55 02/10/2012 and 21:00 02/10/2012.
"The victim stated that she observed the suspect walking toward the front doors with 'price tags hanging out of her purse.' The victim asked the suspect to stop. The suspect then turned and 'pepper sprayed' the victim. The suspect then jumped into a waiting vehicle with a male driver and fled the scene with a coat and other unknown merchandise."

Crash on US 41 at Patoka Injures Two

2012-02-11T09:40:00.001-06:00

Gibson County – Last night, February 10, at approximately 9:30, Indiana State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on U.S. 41 at C.R. 350 North that injured two passengers.

Preliminary investigation revealed Laken Hull, 18, of Patoka, was driving his 1986 Ford Bronco westbound on C.R. 350 North when he failed to yield the right of way and pulled into the path of a 2003 Ford Explorer that was traveling southbound on U.S. 41. After the two vehicles collided, the Ford Bronco left the roadway on the west side where it rolled over at least once and ejected Keath Wright, 18, of Princeton. Wright was not wearing a seat belt. Hull and the driver of the Ford Explorer, Michael Tepool, 22, of Evansville, were not injured. Wright was taken to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville where he is being treated for leg fractures. While at the scene, troopers discovered Hull had hidden a twelve pack of beer over a nearby hill before emergency personnel arrived. Hull was cited for possessing alcohol and for failure to yield.

Nearly two-hours after the crash, Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes contacted police advising that Levi Lewis, 20, of Patoka had been involved in a roll over crash in the Patoka area and had been picked up by a motorist after walking from the scene of the crash. Further investigation revealed Lewis was a passenger in Hull’s vehicle. He was treated for a head injury.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Wes Kuykendall, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Gibson County Sheriff’s Department

*Information from the Indiana State Police

Special Report: Evansville's Watchful Eye

2012-02-10T16:02:00.001-06:00

By: Jordan Vandenberge

He lives life in 140 characters or less. His eyes dart across dimly lit screens in his self-described man cave. His fingers sweep across broken-in keyboards on a minute-by-minute basis.

It's a Twitter account that came to life. Now it's founder is brought to light.

"My name is Bill Merkel and I am Evansville Watch."

Day in, day out, he keeps vigil by watching, alerting, and posting. He's the man behind the brand and he's a must-follow in the social circle.

"More of just an information source is what I want to be," said Merkel. "I don't want to be a news source. I don't follow up the whole story. I just report what I hear over the scanner. I try to stress that to people that what I report is raw. It's unconfirmed and so many times when they get on scene, it never is what it sounds like it is."
"Do you sit at home and listen to the scanner? A lot of people don't do that."

In the world of social media, clout is measured by the number of followers and influence is measured by the number of fans. In this day and age, getting information on the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.

"There's incidents that go all day long, just to get that information out to the public, just to help their day go a little bit better," said Merkel. "That's the main reason I do Evansville Watch."

"Even if I wouldn't be doing this, the scanner would be on and I'd be listening to it. Why not take the next step, type it and send it all out there?"
Somewhere along the way he skipped a few steps. Launching Evansville Watch with zero followers in 2009, Merkel added a following of more than 20,000 people on Facebook and Twitter combined.

Somewhere in his sea of tweets is the shoreline of where it began.

"That's how i got involved. Mom and her scanner," said Merkel. "She just loved them. Back when I was a little kid, sitting on the front porch, listening and drinking lemonade."

This lifelong affinity for the scanner coursed it's way into Merkel's adult life. The University of Evansville alum became a certified EMT. Now the symphony of the scanner is a daily concert.
"I decided to transfer to another ambulance service called Comaire and that's where I met my wife," said Merkel. "I didn't know it at the time but she was the boss' daughter. Promotion!"

After a failed attempt at Twitter in February 2009, Merkel unplugged himself from the hot social media tool. A few months later, he started Evansville Watch after becoming inspired by other scanner-reporting accounts in larger cities. He decided to give it a shot.

"It was more of a hobby at first but yea, I've grown fond of it," said Merkel. "When somebody says something about it, I get defensive. It's like defending your child."
For this father of three sons, the real world never signs off even when he does. He is committed to this hobby like most people are to their normal jobs. When life gets in the way, he has several silhouettes to post in his place.

"That's how I met them either through email and talk to them on the phone," said Merkel in reference to the half-dozen people who post as Evansville Watch. "You know, talk back and forth on the computer. As I said earlier, most of them I haven't even met."
Until now, very few knew Merkel by name and even fewer knew him by face. But for the Evansville Watch community, the internet provided all the necessary introductions.

"We call ourselves the EW gang, a dysfunctional family," said Merkel. "It really does feel like you do know these people personally and in some cases you do. You just never met them."

There isn't much in social media as constant as the hum and hiss of a scanner. Not much is as predictable as the human condition.
"We've stumbled and fumbled along the way and argued," said Merkel. "I've done some stupid things and deleted some comments I shouldn't have when that's someone's opinion."

"Anytime we get to arguing about something or sharing our viewpoints, we come back to that dysfunctional family at the end. Just one big hug!"

A family is still a family even if it's members haven't met. A Twitter account is still a Twitter account even if it's founder is a silhouette. And life is still life even if it comes in 140 characters or less.

"It really makes me feel wanted and everybody wants to feel wanted. We really do."

*Courtesy of www.tristatehomepage.com

Cyber Alerts for Parents & Kids - Beware of ‘Sextortion’

2012-02-10T15:50:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of her summer break in June 2005, a 15-year-old Florida girl logged onto her computer and received a startling instant message. The sender, whom the girl didn’t know, said he had seen her photo online and that he wanted her to send him pictures—of her in the shower. When the girl didn’t comply, the sender showed he knew where she lived and threatened to hurt the girl’s sister if she didn’t agree to his demands.

Worried and hoping to avoid alarming her parents, the girl sent 10 black-and-white images. When her harasser said they weren’t good enough, she sent 10 more, nude and in color. Then he wanted more.


	Listen: Special Agent Nickolas Savage discusses “sextortion” and the dangers kids face online. - Full transcript \| Download (5.3MB) Don’t Let It Happen to You Here are a few precautions that can keep you from being victimized by “sextortion”: - Don’t take for granted that your computer’s anti-virus software is a guarantee against intrusions. - Turn off your computer when you aren’t using it. - Cover your webcam when not in use. - Don’t open attachments without independently verifying that they were sent from someone you know. - It’s okay to be suspicious. If you receive a message with an attachment from your mother at 3 a.m., maybe the message is not really from your mother. - If your computer has been compromised and you are receiving extortion threats, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents or to call law enforcement.

Listen: Special Agent Nickolas Savage discusses “sextortion” and the dangers kids face online.
- Full transcript | Download (5.3MB)

Don’t Let It Happen to You

Here are a few precautions that can keep you from being victimized by “sextortion”:

- Don’t take for granted that your computer’s anti-virus software is a guarantee against intrusions.

- Turn off your computer when you aren’t using it.

- Cover your webcam when not in use.

- Don’t open attachments without independently verifying that they were sent from someone you know.

- It’s okay to be suspicious. If you receive a message with an attachment from your mother at 3 a.m., maybe the message is not really from your mother.

- If your computer has been compromised and you are receiving extortion threats, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents or to call law enforcement.

“Once these individuals have pictures, they want more,” said Special Agent Nickolas B. Savage,who interviewed the girl after she and her mother contacted authorities. “They are then able to say, ‘I want you to do x, y, and z. And if you don’t, I’m going to take these photographs, and I’m going to send them to people in your school. I’ll send them to your family.’”

Savage, who at the time managed the Innocent Images National Initiative Task Force in the FBI’s Orlando office, spent the better part of the next four years chasing the phantoms that had hacked the 15-year-old’s computer. The winding path eventually led to two assailants—Patrick Connolly and Ivory Dickerson—who jointly terrorized adolescent girls by compromising their computers, demanding sexual photos or videos, and scouring their social networks. The pair also reached out to the girls’ friends—who were duped into downloading malicious software because the e-mails and messages appeared to come from trusted sources.

Connolly and Dickerson, both in prison now, victimized more than 3,800 kids through this “sextortion” technique that duly preyed on kids’ innocence about the Internet and their fear of being exposed to their friends and family.

“Oftentimes children are embarrassed, especially thinking they have somehow contributed to their victimization,” said Savage, now head of the Strategic Outreach and Initiaitve Section in the Cyber Division. “So fearing they will get in trouble if they report it, they will continue with the victimization and send individuals what they are requesting. What often happens is the victimization never stops.”

In this case, some girls were terrorized over a span of as many as seven years. Some attempted suicide. One dropped out of high school because she was always looking over her shoulder.

To uncover the scheme, the FBI cloned one of the victim’s computers and carried on a two-year undercover correspondence with the hacker, who turned out to be Connolly—a British citizen who was at times in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, where he worked as a military contractor and evidently carried out parts of his extortion scheme. The trail also led to North Carolina, where Dickerson was amassing a huge portfolio of pictures and video and secretly recording the webcams of compromised computers. Dickerson was found to have about 230 gigabytes of material, and Connolly had four times that. Dickerson was sentenced in 2007 to 110 years in prison. Three years later, Connolly was sentenced to 30 years.

Have Information on the Case?
Hacker Patrick Connoly used a variety of screen names and e-mail addresses, which are listed below. If you have information regarding the case—there may be other victims—please contact your nearest FBI office or submit a tip online.
Screen Names:
- casperlovesya - cucumbersn - 1-1Geo-1-1 - Bigbucks - billie_wiz - busted633 - CT Chris CT - GBreathe	- kamberto3 - kambert0e - meme816 - Mrfrost20005 - Mythbuster - Nowammies - o0ompalo0mpaz	- Onehotguy_101 - only_a_bad_dream_2002 - Quewhiffle - Stealthisalbum - xlxl_chris_xlx - xlxlx_paddy_xlxlx - yummy_yummy45

E-mail Addresses:
- mervthemerovingian@yahoo.com - for.facebook1@hotmail.com - adj00133@yahoo.com - hweigfuog@hotmail.com	- xcuse_me_miss@hotmail.com - yesyes@hotmail.com - marky@aol.net1

Savage says locking up the hackers was one of the most rewarding moments in his career. But he knows there are more victims, some who may not know their tormentors are off the streets.

“The thing was, a lot of these kids are just some folder somewhere,” Savage said, illustrating the cold nature of the crimes and punctuating that once material is posted online it’s out there for all. “No name. Just pictures and videos in a folder. I know that there are so many more victims out there that are wondering, ‘What ever happened to those guys?’ or, ‘Do I still need to be afraid?’”

This story is the second in an occasional series aimed at providing practical web advice and tips for parents and their kids.

Resources:

- Cyber Alerts for Parents & Kids Tip #1: Be Prudent When Posting Images Online
- Innocent Images
- Crimes Against Children

*Information courtesy of www.fbi.gov

Police Blotter: February 10th

2012-02-10T13:59:00.001-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 9, 2012
ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
Case, Nathaniel Stanley Edward (white male, 29) Arrest on charge of Narc-possession Cocaine <3G......Society Victim of Narc-possession <3G at 399 E Riverside Dr/S Governor St Evansville, IN between 17:07 02/09/2012 and 17:11 02/09/2012.
"I was sitting in my marked police car at Taylor Ave and Governor Street when I saw a white Dodge Nitro drive past me south on Governor. I saw the male driver and recognized him as Nathaniel Case. I wrote him a ticket 5 days prior for not having a license and being suspended prior. I got behind the vehicle and he then turned west on Riverside from Governor and did not signal 200 feet prior. I activated my emergency lights and pulled him over. I had him step out of the vehicle and placed him in custody for operating while never received and driving wile suspended prior. His wife was in the car and had a misdemeanor warrant and also had a suspended license. After looking inside the vehicle I found a clear plastic bag with an off white substance that looked to be crack cocaine..."

CVS Victim of Theft-shoplifting/conversion at 801 N First Ave Evansville, IN between 09:00 02/09/2012 and 09:06 02/09/2012.
"Listed suspect came into CVS to shop while in the store the reporter watched the suspect take a bottle of Hallie Berry perfume out of the box and place the perfume into a tan bag she was carrying. When the suspect attempted to exit the store without paying for the item the reporter stopped her. The reporter said that the suspect admitted to him that she stole the perfume and then started arguing with him when he threatened to call police. When police were called the suspect took off but was later captured by police at a smoke shop on W Columbia St. Suspect was given citation and released."

Charlies Food Mart Victim of Forgery/Counterfeiting at 1400 N Main St Evansville, IN between 18:45 02/09/2012 and 19:03 02/09/2012.
"I was dispatched to the above address in reference to a bunco report. When I arrived I spoke to the clerk at the store. The clerk stated that the suspect entered the store and selected items from the shelf. The suspect selected candy and two packs of cigarettes. The suspect then handed the clear a 100 dollar bill that the clerk immediately determined to be fake. The clerk kept the money and the suspect left the store with the selected items. The clerk declined to press charges for the theft..."

NWS Says a Little Light Snow and Blast of Arctic Air On the Way

2012-02-10T08:45:00.001-06:00

From today's National Weather Service Weather Story: An approaching cold front will bring snow and rain showers to the region today. Starting the day...light snow showers falling in the early morning cold could result in minor less than 1/2 inch accumulations across the southeast Missouri Ozarks and highlands into southwest Illinois. As daytime temperatures rise and change showers to rain...the front sweeps in by evening and changes rain back to snow showers this evening before ending overnight. Total accumulations will be an inch or less. And with the front comes a blast of arctic air that shivers temperatures down below freezing tonight and keeps them below freezing until late Sunday afternoon. Wind chills Saturday will be in the teens as strong winds gust 25 to 35 mph out of the north or northwest tonight through Saturday.

THERE MAY BE SOME LIGHT SNOW SHOWER ACTIVITY EARLY THIS MORNING AS
PRECIPITATION STARTS TO STREAM IN FROM THE WEST...AHEAD OF AN
APPROACHING COLD FRONT. ANY ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE LESS THAN A HALF
INCH. THE BEST CHANCE OF THIS OCCURRING WILL BE ACROSS THE OZARKS
AND HIGHLANDS OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND INTO SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS
EARLY THIS MORNING.

ANOTHER CHANCE OF LIGHT SNOW ENTERS THE FORECAST LATE IN THE DAY
INTO TONIGHT...AS THE COLD FRONT SWEEPS AN ARCTIC BLAST OF AIR
ACROSS THE AREA AND LIGHT AFTERNOON RAIN SHOWERS CHANGE BACK OVER
TO SNOW SHOWERS BEFORE ENDING. ANY ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE AN INCH
OR LESS...AND THE BEST CHANCE OF THIS OCCURRING WILL BE ACROSS
SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS...SOUTHWEST INDIANA...AND THE PENNYRILE REGION
OF WESTERN KENTUCKY...DURING THE EVENING HOURS.

THE ARCTIC AIR WILL COME IN ON STRONG NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS
THAT MAY GUST 25 TO 35 MPH AT TIMES OVERNIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
GUSTY NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS CONTINUE SATURDAY WITH GUSTS 25 TO
35 MPH POSSIBLE. THIS WILL PRODUCE SATURDAY WIND CHILLS IN THE
TEENS. IN ADDITION...TEMPERATURES WILL GO BELOW FREEZING FRIDAY
NIGHT...AND NOT RISE ABOVE FREEZING AGAIN UNTIL SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

THE NEXT CHANCE OF SNOW IS MONDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT. AT THIS
TIME...LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS LOOK POSSIBLE. SOME FORECAST MODELS
SUGGEST 1 TO 2 INCHES WHILE OTHERS SUGGEST AN INCH OR LESS. A
MINOR ACCUMULATION EVENT IS WHAT IS EXPECTED...WITH THE BEST
CHANCE FOR THIS OCCURRING FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING
THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS.

*INFORMATION FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - PADUCAH

Mayor Announces Improvements to METS 41 North Connection Bus Route

2012-02-09T15:34:00.001-06:00

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke announced improvements to the U.S. Hwy. 41 North Connection bus route at a news conference Thursday at the Hampton Inn. The revisions will enhance public transportation to areas of the city and Vanderburgh County not previously serviced by METS. The changes will go into effect on February 13.

“Shortly after taking office in January, I was contacted by members of Congregations for Justice and Empowerment (CAJE) concerning the lack of public awareness about the U.S. 41 bus route that was launched in October. I instructed METS Director Tony Kirkland and his staff to investigate options for enhancing the bus service and increasing public awareness,” Mayor Winnecke said.

“I am pleased to inform residents that the changes will not only improve bus service on the North Side, they will help relieve overcrowding on the Lynch Road route and service a portion of newly annexed areas on the city’s East Side.”

The revised U.S. Hwy. 41 Connection bus route will operate 12 hours, starting at 5:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. It will be available to service previously unreachable businesses along U.S. 41 North, North Lynch Rd., and North bound Green River Rd., instead of being limited to only five stops. Numerous bus stop signs have been posted throughout the route, which will operate exactly like East and West Connection routes, providing both permanent bus stops and ‘’on call’’ demand response service.

Color coded maps printed in English and Spanish will be available at the METS transfer terminal, the METS administrative office at 501 John Street and at the Civic Center at the Board of Public Works, room 321. Patrons may also find maps at select businesses along U.S. Hwy. 41 North, such as Ameriquals, Anchor Industries and Hampton Inn.

"At CAJE, our mission is to address issues in our community through relationship building and negotiations with decision makers. This bus route and its relaunch is directly in line with that mission," said Elliott Kavanaugh, chair of the CAJE Transportation Committee.

"Over the last three years, we have emphasized the importance of an effective public transportation system here in Vanderburgh County because we believe that a good bus system should help people get jobs, keep jobs and contribute more to the local economy."

Others attending the news conference in support of the bus route changes included North High School Principal John Skinner, North Junior High School Principal Ken Wempe, WorkOne representative Pam Martin, Brenda Murry-Pittman with the AARP, Lori Cline with Ameriquals, Anchor Industries Human Resources Director Roger Krebsbach and Hampton Inn General Manager Jacob Pendelton.

*Information from www.evansvillegov.org

Police Blotter: February 9th

2012-02-09T13:43:00.001-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 8, 2012

ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

Copeland, Lancing Terrance (black male, 57) Victim of Battery-aggravated w/other deadly weapon at 214 Taylor Ave Evansville, IN between 22:20 02/07/2012 and 22:40 02/07/2012
"Officers were dispatched to St Mary's Emergency Room reference a battery report. When we arrived we spoke to the victim who stated that he was at his house around 2230 hours when a female who was there began arguing with his girlfriend. He told the female that she needed to leave and he said before going outside she grabbed a bottle of whiskey and threw it at him, striking him on the top of the head. The victim went to St Mary's ER and required three staples on the top of his head for a cut he received. The female suspect's address is listed as (same as victim's address) but the victim stated that she did not live there and had not stayed there in a long time. It was difficult for officers to get much information from the victim due to his level of intoxication. The victim was given a case number and it was explained to him how to follow up with the prosecutor's office."

Society Victim of Criminal Recklessness at 1201 E Columbia St Evansville, IN between 03:06 02/08/2012 and 03:09 02/08/2012.
"On February 8th, 2012 at approximately 0309 hours, officers were dispatched to Busy Body Lounge for shots fired. Officers spoke with the witness who stated that a group of approximately 5 black males were fighting in the lot. As he attempted to break up the fight, one of the males pulled out a pistol and fired one round into the ground. The male then ran north and fired another round, then turned east onto Columbia and fired one more round. The witness was unable to give an accurate description of the offender. Two casings were recovered from the scene. No injuries were reported."

Massie, Virgle Brian (white male, 39) Arrest on charge of Murder Attempted w/ knife at 3215 Vann Park Blvd......Massie, Jamie Oryan (white male, 30) Victim of Murder Attempted w/ knife at 3215 Vann Park Blvd Evansville, IN between 21:00 02/08/2012 and 21:07 02/08/2012
"Officers were dispatched to 3215 Vann Park Blvd reference a possible domestic violence in progress. Dispatch advised that the caller stated that they could hear a female saying 'get off me' and also stated that she did not know the subjects involved. A second call came into dispatch that someone was possibly stabbed. Another call to dispatch was a subject stating that someone was stabbed and bleeding. The first officer to arrive located a white male victim with knife laceration to his left side. The victim stated that he was in apartment C when he got stabbed. Officers on scene then went to apartment C and made contact with the offender. The offender was detained for investigation. It was determined that the offender had two misdemeanor warrants. The offender also had minor cut to his left hand and had a complaint of pain to his nose and head. The offender was transported via AMR to Deaconess E-R for evaluation. The victim was transported to St Mary's for treatment. Crime Scene and detectives responded and interviewed all subjects involved."

Clark, Coty Maxwell (white male, 24) Victim of Robbery-armed w/ knife at 1499 E Sycamore St/S. Bennighoff Ave Evansville, IN between 23:30 02/08/2012 and 00:38 02/09/2012.
"Victim stated he was walking from his home to the gas station at Lincoln/Bennighof at the time listed when he was approached by five subjects at the corner. The suspect had a sock with a hard object inside it. The suspect swung it striking the victim in the head knocking him to the ground. The victim told me he got back up and that is when the suspect took out a knife and started swinging the knife at him..superficial cuts to both left and right forearms. The suspect was able to get the victim's wallet from his pants pocket and then ran from the area. The victim told me he had $75.00 inside his wallet as well as his ID. The victim told us that the other four subjects ran when the suspect started attacking him."

EvansvilleWatch (and me!) to be Featured on Eyewitness News Thursday Night

2012-02-09T11:43:00.000-06:00

Those that know me are aware I don't like to toot my own horn, so to speak, but I'm going to toot loud for this! Ha!

Jordan Vandenberge with Eyewitness News contacted me saying he wanted to do a story on EvansvilleWatch and me, Bill Merkel. So many people know what EvansvilleWatch is and what EW does, but they don't know who the man is behind the updates. I thought this would be a great idea! Jordan and his photog, Brian Cissel arrived for the interview this past Tuesday and the story they put together airs tonight. So, for those that don't know me and want to learn exactly what EW is all about, be watching Eyewitness News tonight at 9pm on Local 7 and at 10pm on channel 25! The story will air during both newscasts I've been told. Thanks to Jordan and Brian for this opportunity and for telling the EW story.

A side note: The news director at Eyewitness News should be proud of these two. They are true professionals and made a nervous Bill feel like the camera wasn't even there. I really had a good time! I hope you enjoy the story tonight and if you don't, keep it to yourself. I don't want to hear about it! LOL!!

As always, thanks to you all for your support!

Bill :-)

Thursday Road Closures

2012-02-09T08:24:00.001-06:00

The water department has announced the closure of the following road for water main repair: Kratzville Rd between Buena Vista Rd and Mill Rd. There is no estimate available on how long this closure will last Thursday.

The Vanderburgh County Highway Department has announced the following road closure for Thursday: Kneer Rd from Mohr Rd to the dead end. This closure is for pipe replacement and is from 8:00am until 2:00pm.

Police Blotter: February 8th

2012-02-08T09:36:00.001-06:00

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - February 7, 2012
Mills, Jacob Josiah (white male, 28) Arrest on charge of Alcohol-public intoxication at 101 NW Sixth St.....Society Victim of Alcohol-public intox at 101 NW Sixth St Evansville, IN between 03:10 02/07/2012 and 03:20 02/07/2012.
"Officers were dispatched to the METS transfer station in reference to a possible person with a gun. When we arrived we were advised that the suspect had implied that he had a weapon through his physical behavior and told the witnesses that they were interfering with a police investigation. We located no weapon on the suspect as we investigated the incident. During the investigation and as we spoke with him, we could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. He had stated that he had drank a pint of whiskey prior to arriving at the bus terminal. He also had a small open bottle of whiskey sitting next to his property. He had slurred speech as he spoke. He also had glassy, blood shot eyes. He was taken into custody for public intoxication. As I escorted him to my vehicle for transport, I had to assist the suspect in walking. He was unsteady on his feet. The suspect was transported to the VCCC and booked into jail."

Wesselman's 535 Lincoln Ave Victim of Forgery/Counterfeiting at 535 Lincoln Ave Evansville, IN between 20:00 02/05/2012 and 21:38 02/07/2012. Reported 02/07/2012.
"I, Officer T. Wood, was working off duty at 535 Lincoln Ave on 02/07/12. The manager on duty said the store had two fake $100 bills they received from young juveniles earlier in the week. The manager said on e bill was given to them by a juvenile at approx 8pm on 02/05/12. The second bill was given to them by a juvenile sometime before noon on 02/06/12. Both juveniles said they found the bills on the ground in the neighborhood. The first juvenile attempted to buy items with the bill. The second juvenile told the cashier he found it and just wanted to get rid of it."

Rieckens Inc Victim of Forgery/Counterfeiting at 5115 Oak Grove Rd Evansville, IN between 10:47 01/17/2012 and 10:47 02/07/2012. Reported 02/07/2012.
"I was dispatched to 5115 Oak Grove to Riecken's on a report. On scene I spoke to the reporter. He said the he was going through the bank account for the business. He said the when he tried to balance the account he came up short. The reporter looked through the checks printed on the back of the bank statement. He came across a check that did not match any of their other checks. The check was number ..... The check amount was $1854.00. The reporter said that their checks require two signatures. He also said the the signature on the check was not any of his employees. He had contacted the bank and started the paperwork with them for the counterfeit check. He said that when he talked to the local branch, they were unable to read well enough as to where the check was deposited at. He did not have the original cancelled check but thought the bank did. The reporter was given the case number and records number."

Cheddars Victim of Theft-other >200 <100,000 at 2100 N Green River Rd Evansville, IN between 21:00 02/07/2012 and 21:31 02/07/2012.
"I, Officer A McCormick and Officer D Smith were dispatched to 2100 North Green River Road (Cheddars) reference a theft report. We arrived and spoke with the manager who stated one of his servers left without cashing out. (Manager) stated that at the end of the shift, servers cash out the money that they owe the business from their food sales. (Manager) stated that he noticed that the offender appeared to be under the influence so he was going to send him home. Another manager took the rest of the offenders tables while (he) spoke with the offender in the office. (Manager) was in process of calling the offender a cab so he could get home safe. The offender then left the office and ran out the front door without paying the money due back to the restaurant. (Manager) stated that the offender owed $278.05. Officers were unable to make contact with the offender. The business wishes to press charges at this time."

UPDATE: Indiana State Police Arrest Blue Beacon Truck Wash Robbery Suspects

2012-02-08T08:02:00.001-06:00

Gibson County – An Indiana State Police investigation into the January 29th armed robbery at Blue Beacon Truck Wash located near U.S. 41 and I-64 has prompted criminal charges being filed against Larry Nathaniel Davis, 26, and Branden Joe Walburn, 26, both from Petersburg. Felony warrants were issued yesterday afternoon for their arrests. At approximately 11:30 last night, Indiana State Police executed the warrants and arrested Davis and Walburn without incident.

Indiana State Police detectives received several anonymous tips soon after the armed robbery, which led them to Davis and Walburn. During the investigation detectives were able to determine Walburn drove his vehicle to Blue Beacon Truck Wash at approximately 3:30 a.m. and waited in the car while Davis entered the office. Davis allegedly confronted both employees, displayed a pistol and demanded money. Both employees were instructed to empty their cash registers and lay on the floor while Davis and Walburn drove away from the truck wash.

Davis and Walburn are currently being held on bond in the Gibson County Jail.

ARRESTED AND CHARGES:
• Larry Nathaniel Davis, 26, 3317 West C.R. 125 South, Petersburg, IN
• Branden Joe Walburn, 26, 3317 West C.R. 125 South, Petersburg, IN

1. Armed Robbery, Class B Felony
2. Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Class B Felony

Investigating Officers: Detective Toni Walden and Detective Tobias Odom, Detective Brad Chandler
Trooper Chris Dyer, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agencies: Washington Police, Petersburg Police and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

*Information from the Indiana State Police

Wednesday Road Closure

2012-02-07T19:25:00.001-06:00

The Vanderburgh County Highway Department has announced that Browning Rd from Boonville-New Harmony Rd to Schlensker Road will be closed again on Wednesday. The closure for ditch repair runs from 8:00am until 2:00pm on February 8th.