VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions for U.S. 41 in Evansville for a complete road and ramp reconstruction project

Beginning on or around Monday, June 21, contractors will close the northbound driving lane of U.S. 41 from State Road 62 (Morgan Avenue) to Lynch Road as workers begin reconstruction of the northbound lanes and ramps in the area. The first phases of construction for the new southbound bridge are also included in this project. The current detour southbound will remain in place as workers begin to bring in dirt to raise the grade to match the northbound bridge. In early July, workers will begin dismantling the existing truss bridge. Construction of the new bridge is expected to begin in 2022.

The northbound lane closures will begin with shoulder strengthening. During that time, the northbound passing lane will be open. Once complete, traffic will be moved to the northbound driving lane as workers completely remove pavement down to the subgrade to rebuild the road. This phase is scheduled to last until September. Once the first phase is complete, traffic will again shift to the northbound passing lanes. During the second phase, the driving lanes will be reconstructed and ramps in the area will be closed intermittently.

The entire project is expected to last into 2022. However, work in the northbound lanes is expected to be complete by the end of November. The road will open over the winter for normal traffic.

INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

The post INDOT: Road and Ramp Reconstruction Scheduled for US Hwy 41 Over Pigeon Creek In Evansville appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions for State Road 66 for a bridge overlay project.

Beginning on or around Monday, March 22, contractors will begin milling and paving inside and outside shoulders on S.R. 66 between North St. Joseph Road and West Mill Road, about 1.6 miles west of the intersection of S.R. 65.

This is the first phase of a project to repave the bridge spanning Little Creek. Once this is completed, concrete barriers will be placed, and crews will restrict the east and westbound passing lanes of S.R. 66 to begin work on the mainline. The switch is expected to happen on or around Monday, March 29.

Work is expected to last until the end of May depending upon weather conditions. The 14-foot lane restrictions will be in place around the clock. Loads over that limit should seek an alternate route using the nearest numbered state, U.S. or Interstate route.

INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews. 

The post INDOT: Lane Restrictions Scheduled for SR 66 in Evansville appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after a body was discovered in the Ohio River near the Newburgh Dam. 

At approximately 1;20 p.m., a tugboat operator called to report what they believed to be a body in the water.  The Newburgh Fire Department responded by boat and were able to locate and recover the victim. 

Identity of the victim is unknown currently, but steps are underway to positively identify the victim utilizing fingerprints and x-rays. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Other responding agencies included the Newburgh Police Department, Warrick County Sheriff’s Office, Warrick County EMS, Warrick County Coroner’s Office, and Indiana Conservation Officers.

There is no evidence to believe foul play was involved at this time.  If anyone has information pertaining to this case can contact ICO Central Dispatch at (812) 837-9536

The post IN DNR: Body Recovered from Ohio River (Warrick County) appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

According to EPD, at approximately 2:35am on Thursday morning, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Shanklin Ave in reference to shots fired. Once on scene, officers spoke with victims who stated they heard gun shots from outside the residence as bullets came through their front window.

Multiple rounds were fired into the residence and one female victim was hit in the stomach by a ricochet. The female had a minor abrasion but declined medical treatment. The female victim’s children were also in the apartment, asleep upstairs. The investigation is on going at this time.

If you have any information, you are asked to call EPD at 812-435-6194.

The post Shots Fired Into Evansville Residence Overnight appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

Indiana State Police will be conducting ‘full-court press’ in March to combat impaired and dangerous driving. Motorists are encouraged to drive sober during St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament.

Evansville — Indiana State Police Evansville District today announced that troopers will be cracking down on dangerous and impaired driving in March, as part of a statewide enforcement campaign. From February 26, through March 21, 2021, troopers will be conducting high-visibility patrols showing zero tolerance for those driving aggressively, over the speed limit or under the influence.

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through an Indiana Criminal Justice Institute grant.

“Dangerous and impaired driving continues to be a problem, especially around high-risk events like St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament,” said Lieutenant Brian Bailey, District Commander of the Evansville State Police Post. “However, you celebrate this year, do so responsibly. Slow down, buckle up and if you drink, don’t drive. It’s that simple.”

On average, drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year in the U.S., according to NHTSA. Although 2020 was a unique year due to the pandemic, preliminary data from the federal safety agency shows that while miles traveled had decreased by about 14.5 percent in the first nine months, overall traffic fatalities increased by 4.6 percent nationwide.

In addition, a separate report released from NHTSA revealed that more road users engaged in risky behaviors in 2020 such as speeding or driving under the influence, and that fewer motorists wore seat belts.

“We’re seeing an uptick in dangerous driving during the pandemic, and it’s very concerning,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “That’s why we’re pulling out all the stops this March to reverse that trend and encourage safe driving behavior. Preventing loss of life is our top priority.”

Dangerous driving includes such factors as speeding, tailgating, and disregarding a traffic signal – all of which are against the law in Indiana. Additionally, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and a license suspension for up to 1 year.

To avoid the potential for legal fees and criminal charges, the department recommends following these simple steps:

• Slow down and follow all posted speed limits.

• Never drive impaired. If you plan on drinking, plan for a safe, sober ride home.

• Do not tailgate or drive aggressively.

• Put down the phone and avoid distracted driving.

• Buckle up – every trip, every time.

The post ISP: Indiana State Police Will Be Conducting a “Full Court Press” in March appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

From EPD:

On February 23 at approximately 4:15am, a male called 9-1-1 and stated that he was at Thornton’s on Green River/Bellmeade and had been shot.

Officers with the Evansville Police Department (E.P.D.) met with the victim, who had a non-life threatening gunshot injury to his knee cap. Officers located multiple bullet holes in the victim’s car. After speaking with the victim, officers located a crime scene in the 500 block of S. Denby. Officers located multiple shell casings.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The victim did not have any description of the suspects. He told E.P.D. Detectives he came to Evansville to pick up a friend, and while he was waiting for her, five males approached his car and began shooting. The investigation is on-going.

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to contact the Evansville Police Department’s Detective Office at 812-436-7979, or at the WeTip Line at 1-800-78-CRIME.

The post Anyone With Information Regarding An Overnight Shooting is Asked to Call EPD appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

DATE: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
SUBJECT: High Speed Crash on North Side Hospitalizes Four
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-NR-007
CONTACT: Sheriff Dave Wedding
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding

A motor vehicle accident in northeastern Vanderburgh County sends four to the hospital with injuries, including one with critical injuries.

On Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 at 5:13pm, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Deputies and Indiana State Troopers, along with the McCutchanville Fire Department and Scott Township Fire Department, were dispatched to the intersection of SR 57/Kansas Rd for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Dispatch informed responding units that one motorist had been ejected from the vehicle and was unconscious in the roadway.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a red 1997 Mitsubishi 3000 GT, which had been completely severed in half. In the ditch, East of SR 57, Deputies also located a gray 2016 Toyota Sienna with heavy front end damage. In the roadway, next to the Mitsubishi, Deputies and members of STFD and MCFD located the driver breathing, but otherwise unresponsive on the pavement. The driver of the Mitsubishi was transported to Deaconess Midtown Hospital for serious, life threatening injuries. The driver and two occupants of the Toyota had complaints of back, neck, arm, and shoulder injuries sustained in the crash. They were also transported to Deaconess Midtown Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation, corroborated by an independent witness, indicated that the Mitsubishi 3000 GT was traveling South on SR 57 at a high rate of speed. As the Mitsubishi approached the intersection of SR 57/Kansas Rd, the traffic control signal turned red. The Mitsubishi, in an effort to avoid the slowed/stopped traffic at the intersection, attempted to pass them in the right-hand turn lane. The vehicle encountered a small amount of snow in the turn lane and proceeded through the intersection, disregarding the red signal. The vehicle appeared to lose control, crossed the center line, and entered the North-bound lane of travel, where it was struck by the Toyota Sienna.

Due to the severity of the crash and the injuries related to it, this crash will remain under investigation, pending toxicology results and crash reconstruction. The names of the involved drivers and occupants will be released at a later time. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor at this time.

-END-

The post VCSO: High Speed Crash on North Side Hospitalizes Four appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

DATE: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
SUBJECT: Fleeing Suspect Flips Vehicle then Fights with Deputies
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-NR-005
CONTACT: Sheriff Dave Wedding or Major Mark Rasure
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding

Shortly before 11 PM yesterday evening a Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a silver Nissan Altima in the area of Diamond Avenue and Saint Joseph Avenue because the driver had run off the edge of the roadway a few times. Rather than stopping, the driver, later identified as Brad Cole of Evansville, led the Sheriff’s Office on a pursuit before losing control and completely flipping his vehicle. Cole was not wearing a seatbelt at the time and as a result was ejected from the driver seat into the rear passenger seat of his car. Determined to avoid arrest Cole then climbed out of the window in an attempt to run; however the deputy gave chase.

The pursuing deputy deployed his Taser against the suspect as he was reaching into his waistband, but the Taser proved ineffective. The chase continued until another deputy joined in to help subdue Cole as he fought them. While Cole was being taken into custody deputies located suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. Cole was transported to a local hospital due injuries sustained when his vehicle crashed, and will be arrested for the following charges upon his release: resisting law enforcement, battery on law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license.

Arrested Brad Cole, 39, of Evansville

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

-END-

The post VCSO: Fleeing Suspect Flips Vehicle then Fights with Deputies appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

DATE: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
SUBJECT: Wanted Felon in Custody after West Side Pursuit Resulting in Crash
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-NR-003
CONTACT: Col. Noah Robinson / Sgt. Thad Zuber
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding  

A Branchville, Indiana man wanted on a state parole warrant is in custody this morning after fleeing a crash on N. Saint Joseph Avenue.

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 8:00PM the Vanderburgh County Sheriff Office deputies and Indiana State Police troopers assigned to the United States Marshalls Service Fugitive Task Force were conducting an investigation in the vicinity of W. Franklin St. and Read St. in Evansville. The target of their investigation was wanted violent felon, Freddie Demarka Reed III. At the time of the investigation, Mr. Reed had an outstanding Indiana State parole warrant, and an active Vanderburgh County felony warrant for possession of narcotics. Mr. Reed has an extensive arrest record, and was known to be armed and dangerous. His previous arrests include Burglary, Possession of a Firearm as a Convicted Felon, Dealing in Methamphetamine and Dealing in Cocaine.

During the course of the investigation, Task Force officers located Mr. Reed driving a dark blue 2005 Ford 500 sedan with false and fictitious Kentucky license plates. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Mr. Reed fled from them at a high rate of speed. Officers assigned to the Task Force pursued the vehicle with lights and sirens as it fled north, and then west from the area. Speeds of the pursuit reached 80mph as Reed fled west on W. Franklin St. As Reed approached the intersection of W. Franklin St. and N. Saint Joseph Ave.,  Reed failed to stop at the red traffic light, proceeded through it with no regard for traffic, and collided with a gray 2015 Toyota RAV4 that was driving south on Saint Joseph Ave. The impact spun the RAV4 and flipped it onto it’s side where it came to rest in the intersection. The driver of the RAV4 sustained only minor injuries. Reed’s vehicle came to rest only feet from the Pizza King restaurant building located at the southwest corner of the intersection.

Once the Reed’s vehicle came to rest, he fled on foot, still attempting to evade Task Force officers. Evansville Police, Indiana State Police and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene of the crash to assist. Officers established a perimeter while a Sheriff’s Office K9 team assigned to the Task Force tracked Reed’s path of escape. Reed was apprehended approximately 30 minutes later after being tracked by the K9 team to an alley off of Bell Ave., a few blocks north of W. Franklin St. During his arrest, officers discovered Reed to be in possession of 28 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

A passenger in Reed’s vehicle was was not injured in the crash. A puppy, which is believed to belong to Reed, was taken to Vanderburgh County Animal Control.

Reed was treated at an area hospital for a dog bite resulting from his apprehension by a Sheriff’s Office K9, and for injuries incurred from the crash. He was later released from the hospital and booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail.

ARRESTED:

Freddie Demarka Reed (pictured above), 40, of Branchville IN. Parole Warrant, Battery Against a Public Safety Official, Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Recklessness, Resisting Law Enforcement, Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Driving on a Suspended License, Failure to Appear Warrant.

Pictured above: Crash Scene on N. St. Joseph Ave. 

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

-END-

The post VCSO: Wanted Felon in Custody after West Side Pursuit Resulting in Crash appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.

DATE: Friday, January, 15, 2021
SUBJECT: Driver Using Cell Phone Causes School Bus Crash
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-NR-002
CONTACT: Col. Noah Robinson / Sgt. Brandon Harrison
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding 

A driver distracted by a cell phone caused a collision with an Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation bus on Diamond Avenue.

On Friday, January 15, 2021 at approximately 07:33 AM, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a three vehicle crash on State Road 66 (Diamond Ave) at Resurrection Drive. Upon arrival deputies found a grey Mercury Grand Marquis, a Buick Envision, and an EVSC school bus wrecked in the roadway. Witnesses reported that the Grand Marquis was eastbound on SR 66 before entering the intersection under a red signal.

The Grand Marquis struck the Envision, which was traveling southbound thru the intersection. The Envision then collided with the EVSC bus, which was traveling northbound across the intersection.

A single child was on the school bus at the time of the accident but was not injured. The driver of the school bus and the Grand Marquis did not require medical attention on scene. The driver of the Envision was taken to Deaconess Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the Grand Marquis admitted to deputies that he was using a cell phone at the time of the accident. The driver was cited for Use of a Telecommunications Device While Operating a Vehicle and Disregarding a Traffic Control Device.

Pictured above: Crash scene on SR 66.

-END-

The post VCSO: Driver Using Cell Phone Causes School Bus Crash. appeared first on EvansvilleWatch.