This Is Brown County

(The following items are provided by the recording agencies and any inaccuracies may be corrected through those offices. All persons listed are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

One man was arrested and police are seeking a warrant for the arrest of another after an incident on Ford Ridge Road Sunday evening.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Rick Followell stopped two males who were walking across a yard on Ford Ridge Road at around 7:27 p.m. Sunday, suspecting one of the two of being wanted by police. He identified the first as Nathan Voland, 22, of Brown County, and the second as Christopher Michael Bennett, 27, of Columbus.

Upon speaking with the two, Deputy Followell found precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine and while attempting to pat them down, Mr. Bennett reportedly ran away, dropping a black leather bag that contained items used for manufacturing meth.

Mr. Voland was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of precursors with the intent to manufacture, both Class D felonies, and taken to the Brown County Jail. Deputy Followell is seeking a warrant for Mr. Bennett’s arrest.

The Indiana State Police methamphetamine unit was called to the scene to secure the drug-related items.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

A Brown County teenager and two juveniles were arrested after allegedly attacking a Becks Grove Road man Saturday evening.

Randy P. Murphy, 19, is accused along with the two unnamed juvenile males of attacking the 48-year-old man in his driveway. He is preliminarily charged with battery, trespass, disorderly conduct and theft in connection with the incident and was taken to the Brown County Jail. The two juveniles are accused of the same and were transported to an unidentified juvenile detention center.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, the alleged victim stated that one of the juveniles had been to his home earlier in the day and had argued about Mr. Murphy not being allowed to see the man’s 17-year-old daughter. The man told Deputy Rick Followell that after the attack, the three suspects fled the scene. EMS units treated him at the scene for injuries he reportedly sustained in the attack.

Deputy Followell later found Mr. Murphy and the two juveniles and placed them under arrest.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

One person was taken to Columbus Regional Hospital and two others were treated and released at the scene as a result of a two-motorcycle collision on State Road 135 North Saturday afternoon.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported in a news release that Tina R. Shelley, 42, of Indianapolis, received minor injuries in the 1:40 p.m. crash near the intersection with Greasy Creek Road. She was driving south on the state route when she collided with another motorcycle traveling with her and driven by 47-year-old Ronald L. Shelley of Indianapolis, who had his son, Colson J. Shelley, riding as a passenger.

Both Mr. Shelley and his son were treated at the scene while Mrs. Shelley was taken by Columbus Regional Hospital ambulance to the hospital.

Deputy Chad Williams investigated the incident and was assisted at the scene by CRH EMS, Brown County (Nashville) Volunteer Fire Department and Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Department.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Three Brown County men were arrested for public intoxication after a patrolling sheriff’s deputy came upon a traffic accident late Friday night.

According to a Brown County Sheriff’s Department news release, Deputy Rick Followell was patrolling near the intersection of Bell and Spearsville roads when he came upon the two-vehicle crash. After speaking to both drivers, he believed both had been drinking alcoholic beverages and requested assistance from Deputy Bill Southerland.

Deputy Followell arrested Walter R. Jones, 66, while Deputy Southerland arrested Tony Hochstetler, 22, and Jason E. Schott, 24.

All three were transported to the Brown County Jail without incident, the department reported.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ean Busby, 27, of Nashville, was arrested for allegedly tearing down signs from Harmony Baptist Church.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, police were called to the church at the intersection of Mt. Liberty Road and Bellsville Pike at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. When Deputy Bill Southerland arrived, he found Mr. Busby walking around a vehicle in the church’s parking lot.

He spoke to both the suspect and a witness, then arrested Mr. Busby on preliminary charges of criminal mischief, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Deputy Southerland was assisted by Chief Deputy Mike Adams, Lieutenant Brad Stogsdill and Reserve Deputy Beni Clevenger.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Brenda S. Leggins, 46, of Brown County, was arrested for driving while suspended after a police officer saw her drive in to and then leave the Speedway gas station.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Greg Pittman observed Ms. Leggins while she was driving, then followed her east on State Road 46 East before stopping her near the intersection with Parkview Road after confirming through Bureau of Motor Vehicles records that her license was suspended.

She was transported to the Brown County Jail without incident, a sheriff’s department news release stated.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Adam Gray, 28, of Brown County, was arrested early Saturday morning for allegedly punching his live-in girlfriend in the arm.

Police were called to the home the couple shared in the 6000 block of Christiansburg Road shortly after 12:30 a.m. Saturday for a reported domestic disturbance. Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Followell investigated the incident, arrested Mr. Gray and transported him to the Brown County Jail without incident, a news release from the sheriff’s department stated.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A 38-year-old Brown County man was arrested Tuesday as a result of an investigation by Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Followell.

Johnnie Perry was taken to the Brown County Jail without incident, the sheriff’s department reported, on a preliminary charge of invasion of privacy and on an outstanding warrant from Bartholomew County.

According to the sheriff’s department, Mr. Perry’s 46-year-old ex-girlfriend contacted police at around 8 p.m. to report the man for taking things from their home on Bellsville Pike. She also stated that she had a valid protective order against Mr. Perry.

When Deputy Followell arrived, he was informed that Mr. Perry had just left the residence. Police later found the man lying in a cornfield along State Road 135 South, hiding.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A Columbus man was arrested at around 8 a.m. when police working Operation Pull Over clocked him driving 68 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

Rogelio Ramirez-Rodriguez, 31, was also found to have never been licensed to drive in any state or country during the traffic stop in the 5900 block of State Road 46 East, according to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

Mr. Ramirez-Rodriguez was arrested for driving while never having obtained a driver’s license and cited for speeding and transported to the Brown County Jail.

Deputy Sergeant Robert Worland was the arresting officer.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Randall P. Murphy, 19, of Nashville, was arrested and three juveniles were released to their parents as a result of a traffic stop at around 12:45 a.m.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, deputies Chad Williams and Rick Followell, detected the odor of alcoholic beverage on three of the four people in the vehicle driven by Mr. Murphy. In addition, the vehicle had an expired license plate and Mr. Murphy had no proof of insurance.

Mr. Murphy was arrested for minor consumption and furnishing alcohol to a minor. He was transported to the Brown County Jail without incident and his vehicle was towed.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Malachi Petro, 20, was arrested late Friday night, March 12, after fleeing from Brown County Reserve Deputy Keith Baker at the Highway Shell gas station on State Road 46 East.

Indiana Conservation Officer John Fennig’s K-9 partner tracked down Mr. Petro, who was allegedly found to have been intoxicated and reportedly had both marijuana and paraphernalia in his possession.

Mr. Petro was arrested at around 11:17 p.m. by Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Bowling and taken to the Brown County Jail without further incident, the sheriff’s department reported in a news release. He was preliminarily charged with resisting law enforcement, operating while intoxicated, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

A 46-year-old Brown County woman was taken by LifeLine air ambulance to Methodist Hospital for treatment of a head injury after she allegedly jumped from the back of a moving pick-up truck.

Julie Deinnocentes had allegedly been involved in a domestic dispute with her estranged husband, Louis Deinnocentes, 47, of Louisville. As Mr. Deinnocentes began driving his truck away from the scene, she reportedly climbed into the back.

Witnesses told police that Mr. Deinnocentes was traveling at around 10 to 15 mph on Clay Lick Road, but when he got near the intersection with Gatesville Road, Mrs. Deinnocentes appeared to jump out.

The incident occurred at around 4:55 p.m. and was investigated by Brown County Sheriff’s Deputies Bill Southerland, Beni Clevenger and Scott Bowling and remains under investigation, a news release from the sheriff’s department stated.

Mrs. Deinnocentes was taken by Columbus Regional Hospital EMS to Hamblen Township Volunteer Fire Department where the LifeLine helicopter then took her to Indianapolis.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Brown County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Morgantown teen after being dispatched to a reported domestic disturbance at around 1:59 a.m.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s department, Travis J. Rankin, 19, was arrested for battery, possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct.

When police arrived at the mobile home in the 1800 block of Greasy Creek Road, they reportedly found Mr. Rankin walking away from the trailer. Deputies Chad Williams, Rick Followell and Mark Stargell spoke with a 24-year-old male and a 23-year-old female at the residence before Deputy Williams took Mr. Rankin into custody.

He was transported without incident, the news release stated, to the Brown County Jail.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Several people were taken by ambulance to Columbus Regional Hospital after having been involved in a four-car accident on State Road 46 East.

The accident occurred at around 4 p.m. in the 7000 block of the highway. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Rosalee Clayburn, 76, of Nashville, was eastbound and crossed the center line, possibly due to having the sun in her eyes.

Ms. Clayburn’s vehicle hit three other vehicles before coming to a rest in the middle of the road, including those driven by Lachman Narsinghani, 57, of Indianapolis; Rebecca May, 50, of Nashville; and Vanessa Lane, 37, of Bloomington.

Ms. Clayburn was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated by rescue personnel. State Road 46 was completely closed until all the debris could be removed.

Deputies Jeff Hess and Sergeant Robert Worland responded to the crash, along with Columbus Regional Hospital EMS, Brown County (Nashville) Volunteer Fire Department and the Brown County EMT Association’s Squad 1.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Three Brown County men were arrested Wednesday and a fourth fled the scene when police arrived to serve warrants and found an active methamphetamine lab.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported in a news release that Detective Sergeant Scott Southerland, along with officers with the Indiana State Police, went to the Ford Ridge Road homes of John D. Allison, 47, and Tony A. Allison, 48, to serve arrest warrants for possession of precursers, a Class D felony.

During a consensual search of Tony Allison’s home, however, police allegedly found an active methamphetamine lab.

Ora W. Allison, 44, and Travis Smith, 23, both of Brown County, were also reportedly at the Tony Allison home when the search was conducted. Ora Allison was arrested on charges related to the items found in the house, but Mr. Smith fled from the area and escaped, police stated.

The news release added that charges may be filed against Mr. Smith at a later date.

The Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Unit assisted at the scene, collecting evidence.

Monday, March 1, 2010

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, no one was injured when a vehicle and train collided at South Shore Drive and the railroad tracks east of Greenbriar Lane near Lake Lemon.

Sgt. Mike Moore and Deputy Bill Southerland responded to the crash, and Jackson Township Fire Department also assisted by washing fluids from the roadway.

The driver of the vehicle, Timothy Fannin, of Nashville, told officers he was eastbound on South Shore Drive and had stopped 60 feet west of the track and was moving forward to cross the intersection when he noticed the train. Fannin said he attempted to back off the track, but was struck by the train engine.

The engineer of the train, James Gibson, of Linton, stated he was going south toward Bloomington when he saw the vehicle attempting to slide to a stop on the track. Gibson told officers he did not see the vehicle stop at any time and that he was following proper regulations and was only traveling at between 20 and 25 miles per hour and had blown his engine horn prior to the crossing, as required, the sheriff’s department reported.

The engineer said he attempted to apply his brakes to stop the train as soon as he saw the vehicle entering the crossing.

Physical evidence at the scene led officers to believe Fannin did not stop at the crossing that is marked with a railroad cross bar and stop sign. He will be issued a traffic ticket for disregarding a stop sign at a railroad crossing, the sheriff’s press release stated.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

A Lick Creek Road woman was arrested Saturday on an outstanding probation violation warrant from Morgan Superior Court III.

Jan Mitchell-Hofmann, 41, was arrested without incident at her home, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported in a news release. She was taken to the Brown County Jail and held awaiting transfer to the Morgan County Jail.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Dustin Poling, 22, of Morgantown, was arrested on battery and several drug-related charges following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

In a news release, the department stated that Deputies Bill Southerland and Chad Williams were dispatched to investigate the alleged battery involving a firearm at around 3:25 p.m.

Upon arriving, Deputy Southerland spoke with the alleged victim and reported seeing signs that the person had been battered.

Deputy Williams, meanwhile, spoke with Mr. Poling at a different home and was given consent to search the man’s bedroom for a firearm.

While there, the officer allegedly found a prescription bottle containing marijuana, rolling papers, a Schedule III controlled substance and a Schedule IV controlled substance, neither of which were identified in the news release.

Mr. Poling was subsequently arrested on preliminary charges of battery, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Brown County Sheriff’s Deputies Bob Worland, Scott Bowling and Terry West, along with Indiana Conservation Officers Kevin Conner and Brent Bohbrink, responded at about 3:50 p.m. to a report of a 17-year-old boy battering his mother on Ed Harsch Road in northern Brown County.

According to a sheriff’s report, officers determined that the woman and her son had been involved in an argument when the juvenile became enraged, picked up and shattered a glass-topped coffee table, broke the glass front door to a curio cabinet, and took the phone from his mother when she was speaking to 911 dispatchers. He then allegedly threw a boot that struck his mother in the head.

The mother was checked and released by Columbus Regional Hospital EMS personnel.

The sheriff’s department reports that the juvenile was arrested for battery, interfering with reporting a crime and criminal mischief. He was transported to the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

A suspected speeder was arrested after a sheriff’s deputy detected the odor of alcoholic beverage on him and noticed his eyes were red and watery and that his speech was slurred. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Bill Southerland stopped Dustin M. Sult, 23, of Connersville, at around 3 a.m. for driving 78 mph in a 55 mph zone on State Road 46 West near the Monroe County line. The sheriff’s department reported in a news release that Mr. Sult failed field sobriety tests and that a chemical test showed his blood-alcohol content to be .17 percent, more than twice the legal limit in Indiana of .08 percent. He was arrested without incident, the department reported, for operating while intoxicated and taken to the Brown County Jail.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Two people, including a 19-month old child, were injured in a two-vehicle crash in Bean Blossom. The accident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Roads 135 North and 45. Michelle Shrowe, 36, and her 19-month-old son, whose name the Brown County Sheriff’s Department did not release, were both taken by ambulance to Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin. Ms. Shrowe reportedly suffered a broken wrist while her son was later transferred to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis with a skull fracture. Deputy Bill Southerland investigated the incident.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

John Daniel Mercer, 25, of Brown County, was arrested following a traffic stop on Dubois Ridge Road. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Rick Followell conducted the stop at around 5 p.m. and allegedly found that Mr. Mercer, a passenger in the vehicle, was both intoxicated and on probation in Brown County. Deputy Followell arrested Mr. Mercer for violating the terms of his probation and transported him to the Brown County Jail without incident, the department stated in a news release.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

What began as an attempt to assist a possible stranded motorist resulted in an arrest early Sunday morning. Phillip Lasley, no age given, of Franklin, was arrested after Deputy Bill Southerland stopped along State Road 46 for a possible motorist assist, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported.  Mr. Lasley did not need assistance, however, but Deputy Southerland recognized the man as possibly having a suspended driver’s license. A check of his driving record confirmed Deputy Southerland’s suspicion and Mr. Lasley was arrested without incident for driving while suspended with a prior conviction and transported to the Brown County Jail.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Michael Glenn Tindel, 46, of Garland, Texas, was arrested after being involved in a motor vehicle accident along State Road 46 West. According to the Brown County Sheriff”s Department, Deputy Rick Followell responded to the 11:23 p.m. incident and learned that Mr. Tindel had just left a local bar and was on his way to Bloomington when the accident occurred. Upon suspecting that Mr. Tindel was intoxicated, Deputy Followell gave him a certified breath test which allegedly returned a blood alcohol content of .21 percent, more than two and a half times the legal limit in Indiana of .08 percent. Mr. Tindel was arrested and taken to the Brown County Jail without incident, the department reported.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A 41-year-old Lick Creek Road woman was arrested after police investigated the second fight of the day between her and her 20-year-old son.

Janice L. Hofmann was preliminarily charged with two separate counts of battery and taken to the Brown County Jail following the second incident, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported.

A news release from that agency stated that Deputy Scott Bowling was called to the home at around 9:30 a.m. for a reported fight between the mother and son, but that by the time he arrived, the suspect had left. The alleged victim reportedly had a black eye and bite marks on his arm from that incident.

At around 2:20 p.m., Deputy Bowling, along with deputies Brad Stogsdill and Bob Worland, returned to the home for the second reported incident in which the alleged victim was reportedly struck on the arm while using a telephone.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Brown County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Steven Vandermeulem, 48, of Martinsville, after responding to a 9:30 p.m. complaint of a possibly drunk person attempting to break into a home in Helmsburg. When Deputy Bill Southerland arrived, he learned that Mr. Vandermeulem had crashed his vehicle elsewhere, then driven on to Helmsburg. The officer reported detecting a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from Mr. Vandermeulem, along with other signs of intoxication. He allegedly refused a field sobriety test and was arrested for operating while intoxicated with refusal. He also reportedly resisted attempts to take him into custody and was subsequently charged with resisting law enforcement and two counts of battery on law enforcement. Sergeant Mike Moore assisted with the arrest.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Cody W. Harden, 25, was arrested following an 8 a.m. traffic stop on Helmsburg Road. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Rick Followell stopped Mr. Harden’s vehicle for speeding before learning that his driver’s license was suspended. He is also accused of having an expired license plate and no insurance. The Brown County man was arrested for driving while suspended and the department stated in a news release that he will be charged with speeding, expired registration and no proof of financial responsibility. He was taken to the Brown County Jail without incident.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

A California man is being held in the Brown County Jail on $75,000 bond after being arrested for three counts of child molestation. Richard Wayne Hyde, 68, of Bodfish, California, was located in that state by Brown County Sheriff’s Detective Steve Brahaum, who worked with California authorities and the U.S. Marshal’s Office to make the arrest. Mr. Hyde was returned to Brown County where he appeared in Brown Circuit Court on Thursday, January 28, on two Class A felony child molestation charges and one Class C felony child molestation charge.

Friday, January 22, 2010

A traffic accident at around 11:21 a.m. in the area of State Road 45 and Morrison Road resulted in a power outage for that area. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Ronald J. Poynter, 62, of Brown County, was eastbound on State Road 45 when he lost control of his vehicle, slid off the road and hit a utility pole. Mr. Poynter was treated at the scene for minor injuries, but was not transported to a hospital. Deputy Rick Followell investigated the crash.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Kelly Haines, 38, of Nashville, was arrested at around 1:15 p.m. on two outstanding warrants. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Lieutenant Brad Stogsdill arrested Mr. Haines for failure to appear for domestic battery and invasion of privacy. He was booked into the Brown County Jail without incident, the department reported.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

At about 7:29 p.m., Brown County Sheriff’s Sergeant Mike Moore responded to a complaint of a gun theft at 1203 Fruitdale Road. During the investigation, the officer determined that the firearm had been removed from the residence without the owner’s permission.

According to the sheriff’s department, the investigation showed that the firearm allegedly had been taken by the owner’s grandson, a juvenile who was not named by the sheriff’s department, and a friend of the juvenile, Jarred Parton, 18, both of Nashville.

The firearm was returned to the owner and the juvenile was placed in detention. Mr. Parton was arrested for receiving stolen property.

Monday, January 18, 2010

At about 9:37 p.m., police officers investigated a report of a domestic disturbance at 8029 Dog Trot Lane. After an investigation by Sergeant Mike Moore, Trooper Chris Griggs and Conservation Officer Kevin Conner, Jerrold Snyder, 46, of Morgantown, was arrested for domestic battery, according to the sheriff’s department. An ambulance also responded to check reported injuries.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Michael A. Wagers, 26, of Nineveh, was arrested at around 11:30 p.m. Monday following an investigation of alleged domestic battery by Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Southerland, that agency reported. Deputy Southerland was assisted by Deputy Chad Williams, Indiana State Trooper Chris Griggs and Indiana Conservation Officer Kevin Conner.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

A 21-year-old substitute teacher who worked in Brown County Schools was arrested Thursday for having inappropriate contact with a student, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Vincent Joseph Gucciardo III, of Columbus, was arrested in Nashville and is charged with child seduction.

The arrest caps an investigation by Sheriff’s Detective Steve Brahaum and the Brown County Department of Child Services.

Mr. Gucciardo is being held in the Brown County Jail on bond.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Kendsey Hamilton, 20, of Nashville, was taken by ambulance to Columbus Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle crash on State Road 135 North just north of Greasy Creek Road.

Lieutenant Brad Stogsdill, with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, reported that the road was wet and slick, possibly with “black ice,” which caused Ms. Hamilton, who was traveling northbound, to slide off the road and hit a tree with her 2003 Ford Explorer.

The accident occurred at around 10:27 a.m.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Robert D. Heck, 28, of Louisville, Kentucky, was arrested after Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Southerland conducted a traffic stop at around 2:39 a.m. According to the sheriff’s department, Deputy Southerland conducted the traffic stop along State Road 46 East. He allegedly detected the odor of alcoholic beverage and observed other signs of intoxication on Mr. Heck, who reportedly failed field sobriety tests and a chemical test. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

At about 8:29 a.m., Deputy Rick Followell went to 2243 South Shore Drive on Woodland Lake to check on a reported house fire, according to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

When he got there, the officer spoke with the homeowner, Rick Russell, 36, who said he smelled smoke upon waking up and then found flames had broken out around his woodstove flue. Mr. Russell said he knocked holes in the walls around the flue and extinguished some of the flames with a bucket of water.

When the fire department arrived, the fire was out.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Aaron D. Harden, 24, of Nashville, was arrested by Deputy Chad Williams for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia after a traffic stop, according to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputy Williams said Mr. Harden gave consent to search his vehicle and he found marijuana and paraphernalia, according to the sheriff’s office.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

A Trafalgar man was arrested after his wife said he threatened her, grabbed her by the neck and strangled her, then threw a chair as she was running away, according to a press release from the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

Clifford D. Johnson, 45, of Trafalgar, was arrested for strangulation, a Class D felony, and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor.

The arrest occurred after deputies Robert Worland, Scott Bowling and Jeff Hess responded to a report of domestic battery in the 4500 block of Peoga Road Wednesday. Officers said the suspect, Mr. Johnson, had left the scene before they arrived, but he was found after a short search to be hiding in a chicken coop.

Monday, January 4, 2010

At about 7:15 a.m., Deputy Rick Followell responded to an accident with injury at the intersection of Upper Bean Blossom Road and Sprunica Road, according to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Followell determined that a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer had been going southbound on Upper Bean Blossom and attempted to turn onto Sprunica Road when the driver, Jordan Popplewell, 17, of Brown County, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into Bean Blossom Creek, just south of the bridge on Sprunica Road.

Popplewell and his passenger, Jarred Parton, 18, also of Brown County, exited the vehicle and made their way to Sprunica Road, where they were picked up by a bus driver, who took them to Sprunica Elementary School. Both were transported to Johnson County Hospital for their injuries and the vehicle was towed by Brown County Tire.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The sheriff’s office reports that Deputy Bill Southerland began investigating a burglary at about 11 a.m. from a construction site. The burglary was reported to have happened overnight.

During the investigation, an employee of the construction company became a suspect. A search warrant was granted for the employee’s vehicle and the construction equipment was recovered.

The employee, Paul Watson, 26, from Indianapolis, was arrested and charged with burglary, a Class C felony, and two counts of theft, each a Class D felony.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

At about 12:15 p.m., Deputy Bill Southerland stopped a vehicle on Hoover Road for a speeding infraction, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the traffic stop, Southerland smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage and detected signs of intoxication with the driver, the report stated.

The driver, George Pifer, 60, of Columbus, was given a field sobriety test and later a chemical test. The sheriff’s office stated that Pifer had a blood-alcohol content of .10 percent and was placed under arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.