A dog bite may have been the difference between life and death for a Bass Lake man. Fire Chief Les Jensen says his department was called to a house fire in Boa Shores around 3:30 Saturday morning. The homeowner was asleep when the fire started.

Jensen says his dog woke him up by biting him, and he was able to get out of the house safely. The Bass Lake and Knox-Center Township Volunteer Fire Departments spent about 2.5 hours battling the blaze. They were assisted by two Starke County Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the Knox Police Department.

Jensen says the fire was electrical in nature and started accidentally. It’s uncertain whether the home had working smoke detectors. Jensen said the fire got so hot it melted all of the plastic, but it appears there were smoke detectors in place.

 

A 20-year-old Knox man faces a child molestation charge stemming from an alleged relationship with a 12-year-old girl who recently gave birth to his child. Knox Police Officers arrested Angel R. Delapaz on Wednesday after an extensive investigation. They were notified by the Indiana Department of Child Services last December that the child had been sexually involved with an adult male and was pregnant.

The girl was removed from her home in February and placed in foster care. Court documents indicate she gave birth to a 3-pound, premature baby boy at Porter Regional Hospital on June 7. Court-ordered DNA tests indicate Delapaz is the father. The girl told police she and Delapaz started seeing each other last October. Investigators allege they continued to see and contact each other after the girl was placed in foster care. The girl reportedly told police she knew Delapaz was 20 and he knew she was 12. She also told detectives Delapaz had given her a wedding ring set and said the two had plans to run away together.

Starke County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

7/2/15 – Starke County EMS, Knox Fire Department First Responders and a Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a traffic accident on State Road 8 east in near the new jail.

7/2/15 – Damage was reported to a pier in the 7700 block of North Tippecanoe Drive North in Walkerton.

7/3/15 – Starke County EMS, and sheriff’s deputies responded to traffic accident at the intersection of State Road 23 and U.S. 30.

7/3/15 – A resident in the 6500 block of South State Road 10 in Knox reported her wishing well was stolen from her yard last night and the cover was thrown into her residential well.

7/3/15 – A resident in the 8800 block of North State Road 23 in Walkerton reported the theft of items.

7/3/15 – Officers took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash at State Road 8 and the Marshall County line in Knox.

7/4/15 – A resident in the 8900 block of East Long Lane Drive in Knox reported damage to garbage cans, mailboxes and electrical boxes.

7/4/15 – A resident in the 3100 block of South 900 West advised someone used a chainsaw to cut her mailbox off and stole the box with mail in it.

7/4/15 – Items were reported stolen from a home in the 2500 block of south 100 West while the property owners were out of town.

7/4/15 – A resident in the 2600 block of east 250 South in Knox reported the theft of hay from his residence.

7/4/15 – A deputy responded to a vehicle versus deer crash on State Road 20 two miles east of U.S. 421.

7/5/15 – Officers responded to the emergency room at IU Health Starke Hospital where staff reported a woman came in who had been beaten.

7/5/15 – A resident in the 2300 block of west 400 South in North Judson reported their mailbox was smashed.

7/5/15 – A business owner in the 3000 block of south Range Road reported an overnight break-in and several items stolen.

7/5/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a property damage accident on State Road 10 between 100 and 50 East.

7/5/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Hamlet Fire Department and Starke County EMS responded to a report of a pickup truck that ran off the road into a cornfield on U.S. 35 one mile north of U.S. 30.

7/5/15 – Officers responded to a vehicle versus deer crash on 150 East at 350 South in Knox. No injuries were reported.

7/5/15 – A resident in the 2100 block of west 800 South in North Judson reported someone blew up her mailbox.

7/6/15 – A resident in the 2400 block of west 400 South in North Judson reported damage to his mailbox and provided a description of a vehicle seen leaving the area.

7/6/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle versus deer crash on 700 East at 50 South in Knox.

7/6/15 – Starke County EMS, first responders and sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at the intersection of 800 East and U.S. 35 in Knox.

7/6/15 – A Koontz Lake resident reported his identity was stolen.

7/7/15 – A break-in was reported at a bank-owned house in the 10100 block of East Francis St. in Grovertown.

7/6/15 – A resident in the 9600 block of east State Road 8 in Knox reported someone killed 12 of her chickens.

7/7/15 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on 100 East south of 500 South in North Judson. No injuries were reported.

7/9/15 – An employee reported a break-in at Granny’s Market in the 3000 block of South Range Road in Toto.

7/9/15 – Officers responded to a property damage accident in the 11600 block of South Avenue in Walkerton.

7/10/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Starke County EMS and first responders responded to an injury accident at the intersection of Howard Drive and Range Road in North Judson. The driver of one of the vehicles was cited for driving while suspended and false and fictitious registration.

7/10/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash that occurred at the intersection of State Road 10 and U.S. 421.

7/10/15 – A resident in the 5300 block of East Woodland Drive in Knox reported someone is messing with her mailbox.

7/10/15 – The Hamlet Police Department, Starke County EMS and Hamlet Fire Department responded to an injury accident at the intersection of U.S. 30 and U.S. 35.

7/10/15 – Officers responded to a property damage accident in the 2300 block of West U Road in North Judson.

7/11/15 – A resident in the 11800 block of East South Avenue in Walkerton filed an identity theft report.

7/11/15 – A resident of the Boa Shores are at Bass Lake reported all security lights in the Boa Shores beach area have been shot out.

7/11/15 – A resident in the 2600 block of East Toto Road reported someone set her mailbox on fire.

7/11/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, first responders and Starke County EMS responded to an accident with injuries on 1150 East south of Toto Road.

7/11/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Knox Fire Department First Responders and Starke County EMS responded to a two-vehicle injury accident in the 1600 block of North U.S. 35 in Knox.

7/12/15 – A resident in the 800 block of west 400 South in North Judson reported the theft of a log splitter from a garage.

7/12/15 – The owner of a property in the 1200 block of north 1025 East in Knox reported damage.

7/13/15 – A resident in the 2200 block of east 150 South in Knox reported the theft of some change from his vehicle.

7/13/15 – Officers took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash that occurred on State Road 8 at 700 East in Knox.

7/14/15 – Officers took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash on State Road 10 west of State Road 23 in Culver.

7/14/15 – Officers took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash in the 5200 block of west State Road 10.

7/15/15 – A resident in the 5900 block of South U Road in North Judson reported the theft of money from his residence.

7/15/15 – A resident in the 6900 block of east 250 South in Knox reported an attempted break in at her home.

7/17/15 – A North Judson resident reported receiving a scam telephone call from someone claiming he was behind on his mortgage and threatening foreclosure unless he sent money.

7/17/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Hamlet Police, Hamlet Fire and Starke County EMS responded to a single-vehicle accident in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 30 at U.S. 35.

7/17/15 – Officers took a report of a vehicle versus deer crash in the 300 block of north 500 East in Knox.

7/18/15 – A resident in the 100 block of Howard Drive in North Judson reported vandalism to a vehicle overnight.

7/18/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Hamlet Police Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress in the 10100 block of East Francis St. in Grovertown.

7/18/2015 – A resident in the 6700 block of East Toto Road reported damage to a vehicle as a result of an apparent attempted theft.

7/18/15 – A resident in the 7000 block of West State Road 10 in North Judson reported the theft of two mailboxes overnight.

7/18/15 – A resident in the 2200 block of south 100 East in Knox reported the theft of a weeder and two gas cans from a building on the property and advised the window was broken.

7/18/15 – A resident in the 6800 block of Hickory Drive in Knox reported her car was spray painted the previous night.

7/18/15 – Officers responded to a single-vehicle rollver accidednt on 100 East between 100 and 150 South. No injuries were reported.

7/18/15 – Officers, North Judson Fire Department First Responders and Starke County EMS responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 6800 block of South State Road 39.

7/19/15 – A resident in the 2300 block of west 400 South in North Judson advised his mailbox was stolen.

7/19/15 – A resident in the 6800 block of south State Road 10 in Knox reported the theft of a golf cart, charger and air compressor.

7/19/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at the entrance of Hickory Hills Campground on 550 East.

7/20/15 – Officers responded to Toto Treasures in the 3100 block of South Range Road for a report of an attempted break-in.

7/20/15 – A resident in the 8700 block of south 50 West in North Judson reported the theft of a red Yamaha 660 ATV from his residence sometime Sunday, July 19.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is merely a record an arrest was made and is not an indication of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

7/1/15 – David Lee Campbell, 31, Knox – Parole violation.

7/4/15 – Michael J. Wojewoda, 20, Orland Park, Ill. – Illegal consumption of an alcoholic beverage.

7/9/15 – Cameron Michael Gardner, 21, Culver – Possession of marijuana.

7/11/15 – Corey D. Bailey, 43, Knox – Habitual traffic violator and O.V.W.I. endangering a person.

7/13/15 – Tyler D. Campbell, 26, Grovertown – LaPorte County warrant.

7/13/15 – Tianna Nicole White, 21, Wanatah – LaPorte County warrant.

7/13/15 – James L. Tobin, 26, Columbus – Warrant.

7/14/15 – James Childress, 31, Knox – Failure to register as a sex offender.

7/15/15 – Eiljah Efraim Zavala, 20, Fort Wayne – Possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia.

North Judson Police Department

North Judson Police Department

Incidents

7/06/15 – The North Judson Police found two dogs in the area of George and Vine Streets going in the garbage. After investigating the dogs were returned and the owner was issued three $50 fines.

7/06/15 – North Judson Police Chief Doug Vessely handled a minor property damage accident in the Burger King drive thru. Vessely estimated the damage at under $1000 and issued the person at fault a ticket for no financial responsibility.

7/06/15 – North Judson Police conducted a traffic stop in town where and found some paraphernalia in the vehicle. Charges are being considered

7/09/15 – The North Judson police responded to a report of a women passed out in a vehicle parked at the gas pumps at the Good to Go Station. North Judson Officer Rico Simpson arrested Stefanie Cole, 31, of North Judson, on charges of disorderly conduct, public intoxication and resisting law enforcement. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office assisted. Formal Charges are pending.

7/10/15 – North Judson Police took a report of damage to a door in the 100 block of Lane Street.

7/10/15 – North Judson Officer Frank Thomas conducted a traffic stop in the area of Oakwood and Arlington Streets and arrested the driver, Scott D. Helmcke, 51, of, North Judson for driving while suspended prior.

7/10/15 – Officers took a theft report for a cell phone that was reported stolen near the park. It was returned to its owner after some juveniles advised someone had sold them the phone.

7/12/15 – The North Judson Police responded to a report of an intoxicated person who had battered a female neighbor. Dan Williams, 80, allegedly tried to shove open a storm door, pushed against a 69-year-old woman and caused swelling to her arm. Williams was arrested on a battery charge.

7/12/15 – A cell phone was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle at the North Judson Town Park. It was found and returned to the owner after a brief investigation. Police Chief Doug Vessely stresses the importance of locking vehicles when they are not attended.

7/13/15 – The North Judson Police were advised of an elderly gentleman riding a bicycle in the rain on 300 West near 6200. He was returned home safe.

7/13/15 – A resident in the 200 Block of Schricker Avenue reported several holes and cuts into the back wall of her garage.

7/16/15 – Officers were notified of several children playing on the railroad tracks and in the depot area. Police spoke with the juveniles and their parents and told them to stop playing by the tracks.

7/18/15 – Officers investigated a property damage accident in the Wooden Nickel parking lot. Damage was less than $1,000, and the drivers exchanged information.

7/18/15 – A hit and run accident was reported in the parking lot of the apartments in the 300 block of Main Street. A brown pickup truck pulling out of the lot backed into a vehicle owned by another tenant. The crash remains under investigation.

7/19/15- North Judson Officer Brack Rowe was asked to back up a Starke County Community Corrections unit near 500 South and State Road 39. Earnest D. Wireman, 41, of Knox, was arrested for escape from the program.

7/19/15 – The North Judson Police are investigating the theft of several cases of candy bars and four cases of Mountain Dew from the North Judson Little League. Anyone with any information is asked to call the police at 574-772-5914, or Crime Stoppers. A reward is being offered.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is merely a record an arrest was made and is not an indication of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

7/09/15 – Stepanie R. Cole, 31, North Judson – Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication and Resisting Law Enforcement.

7/10/15 – Scott D. Helmcke, 51, North Judson – Driving While Suspended.

7/12/15 – Dan Williams Jr., 80, North Judson – Battery.

7/19/15 – Earnest Dale Wireman, 41, Knox – Escape from Starke County Community Corrections.

Knox Police Department

 

Incidents

7/14/15 – Police responded to the Smoke Shop at 1210 South Heaton St.. An off duty employee was there and advised she heard the alarm going off, noticed the entrance doors had been broken and called 911. Officers found two large stones near the doors. The incident remains under investigation.

7/19/15 – Police received reports of an individual passed out at a gas station pump at Zingo Express in Knox. Officers made contact with 28-year-old Christopher Karp who allegedly had a BAC of .14%.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is merely a record an arrest was made and is not an indication of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

7/6/15 – James Zieber, 49 – Marshall County warrant.

North Judson Police Department

Incidents

North Judson Police Department

7/20/15 – The North Judson Police responded to an animal complaint in the 300 block of Franklin Street. A dog owner had to purchase an animal tag.

7/20/15 – A North Judson resident was cited for no dog tags after police responded to an abandoned dog complaint in the 600 block of Keller Avenue

7/20/15 – A North Judson resident told police she was trying to buy a rare, endangered monkey online. Officers explained this is a scam and advised her not to send more money. Police Chief Doug Vessely reminds residents never to send cash, a money order or any type of Western Union, Green Dot or other prepaid cards to anyone you encounter online. Such requests for payment are red flags for a potential scam, as funds cannot be traced. Vessely adds animals like endangered monkeys cannot be sent via mail.

7/21/15 – A purse was taken from an unlocked vehicle in the Good to Go parking lot on West Talmer Avenue. North Judson Police checked the video and recovered the purse and its contents. A full report is pending with the Starke County prosecutor.

7/21/15 – Juvenile vandalism was reported in the North Judson Town Park.

7/23/15 – North Judson Little League officials reported the theft of items from their concession stand. The season is not over, but all items have been removed. North Judson Police are studying videotapes to determine the identity of the suspects as the investigation continues.

7/23/15 – North Judson Police are investigating the theft of a written prescription from a home.

7/24/15 – North Judson Police responded to a property damage accident in the Good to Go parking lot on West Talmer Avenue.

7/25/15 – A home in the 200 block of McCellan was recently broken into and vandalized was entered and vandalized. North Judson Police are investigating and have a few suspects.

7/25/15 – North Judson Police responded to an animal complaint. The dog was seized and taken to the Starke County Humane Society.

7/25/15 – North Judson Police found several juveniles running atop some boxcars on the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum property. The youngsters were returned to their parents.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is not an indication of guilt. It is merely a record an arrest was made. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

7/21/15- Eric G Wireman, 26, Culver – Parole violation warrant

7/21/15 – Joshua P. Barcus, 30, North Judson – Interfering with reporting of a crime.

Knox Police Department

 

Incidents

722/15 – Police were called to the 300 block of W. Riverside Drive in Knox for a report of two stolen tablet devices.

7/22/15 – Police were called to Knox High School Bus Garage. An employee stated that the windshield on a school-owned vehicle had been shattered. A first aid kit had also been stolen from a bus. Another window on a rear emergency exit door had also been shattered.

Starke County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

7/20/15 – An employee at Toto Treasures in the 3100 block of South Range Road in North Judson reported an attempted break-in via the back door of the business.

7-20-15 – A resident in the 8700 block of South 50 West in North Judson reported the theft of a 2002 Red Yamaha 660 ATV from his residence.

7-21-15 – A man who is working on a home in the 8800 block of south 150 West in North Judson advised he woke up from a nap the previous day and found a man standing inside the house. He has also previously chased two other men away at gunpoint.

7/22/15 – A resident in the 7200 block of south 300 East in Knox reported someone has TP’d her residence and put silly string and post-it notes on several of the vehicles. She advised this is the fourth time this has happened.

7/22/15 – Officers responded to a report of a vehicle versus utility pole crash in the 200 block of south U.S. 35, knocking down wires. NIPSCO was advised.

7/22/15 – A garbage truck driver hit a NIPSCO pole in front of the bowling alley. The pole is broken.

7/22/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a single vehicle accident on Donald Road in Knox.

7/22/15 – Officers took a report of unauthorized debit card use.

7/23/15 – A woman reported fraudulent activity on her bank account and said it occurred in San Pierre.

7/23/15 – Officers responded to a vehicle versus sign crash at the intersection of state roads 8 and 23.

7/23/15 – Officers responded to a vandalism report in the 5100 block of west State Road 10 in North Judson. The caller advised there are large scratches on a white GMC truck with a cap and said there is video of the suspect.

7/23/15 – The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Starke County EMS, Koontz Lake and Hamlet Fire Departments responded to an accident with injuries at the intersection of U.S. 30 and State Road 23 in Grovertown.

7/23/15 – A resident in the 7300 block of east 50 South in Knox reported a burglary.

7/23/15 – Starke County EMS, North Judson Police, The Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Starke County EMS responded to an accident with injuries on 600 West south of State Road 10.

7/24/15 – A generator was reported stolen from a trailer at the storage lockers behind Bailey’s Furniture Store on U.S. 35 south in Knox.

7/24/15 – A man reported his truck was vandalized at Richard’s of Toto the previous day.

7/24/15 – A tantom trailer was reported stolen from the intersection of U.S. 30 and U.S. 35 in Hamlet.

7/24/15 – A woman who was involved in a crash on Friday, July 17 at the intersection of U.S. 30 and U.S. 35 advised her car was towed and now a booster seat and $26 are missing from the vehicle.

7/24/15 – A carpet fire was reported at a residence at Kaney and Oak in Walkerton. Police and firefighters responded.

7/24/15 – Officers responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Range Road and 250 South in North Judson involving a vehicle and a dump truck. No injuries were reported.

7/24/15 – A Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a vehicle versus deer crash at the intersection of 800 South and 700 East in Knox.

7/24/15 – A resident in the 3200 block of Rosewood Blvd. in Knox reported a man knocking on doors trying to get residents to let him show them a magic trick.

7/25/15 – A possible break-in was reported at the Big Bass Lake Gravel Pit in Knox. The caller advised the lock on the gate has been busted and said he thought he heard someone inside one of the buildings.

7/26/15 – An employee at the Koontz Lake Gas Station reported a man passed out in a red truck with his foot on the gas.

7/26/15 – A resident in the 8000 block of north Tonti Lane in Koontz Lake came home to find someone had broken into and ransacked the home.

7/26/15 – A resident in the 2600 block of south 200 East in Knox reported the neighbor’s dog has attacked his puppy and it is not going to make it.

7/26/15 – Officers took a property damage report at the Grovertown Truck Stop on U.S. 30 after a customer pumping gas drove off with the pump attached.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is merely an acknowledgement an arrest was made. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

7/23/15 – Bradon L. Smith, 29, North Judson – Sex offender residency offense.

7/25/15 – Ann Marie Patterson, 62, Romeoville, Ill. – Operating while intoxicated, O.V.W.I. endangering a person, operating a vehicle with a Schedule I or II controlled substance in the body, operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

7/23/15 – Aaron R. Bau, 39, Knox – Warrant.

Cody Cooley

Officers from several Starke County law enforcement agencies assisted in the apprehension of a man at a Koontz Lake residence on an out-of-county robbery warrant. They responded to a home in the 7700 block of Tippecanoe Drive this morning to arrest 30-year-old Cody Cooley on a warrant from Dearborn County. A news release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office indicates they spotted him through a sliding door trying to hide in an upstairs closet.

Cooley reportedly ignored numerous commands by officers to come out of the closet. That’s when Starke County Sheriff’s K9 Terror was sent in and apprehended him.

The officers brought Cooley downstairs and say he took off while waiting for medical attention. He was nabbed less than 100 yards away behind a residence on Kickapoo. He was taken by ambulance to IU Health Starke Hospital, treated and released.

Cooley is charged with resisting law enforcement locally and will be transported to Dearborn County to face the robbery charge. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Knox, Hamlet and Walkerton Police Departments.

Knox Police Department

 

Incidents

7/29/15 – Officers were called to the BP gas station on South Heaton Street in Knox, where an employee advised a man threw a rock at a female customer’s windshield. The man reportedly left and headed to CVS. An arrest was made.

8/2/15 – Police took a theft report from a resident in the 400 block of East Lake Street in Knox. The victim advised gasoline had been siphoned from two vehicles three times in the past three weeks.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is merely a record an arrest was made and is not an indication of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

7/29/15 – Brad Bradley, 36 – Criminal mischief and criminal recklessness.

Starke County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

7/29/15 – The owner of a small cottage in the 10400 block of west State Road 10 in North Judson advised someone broke in and took tools and other items.

7/30/15 – A Knox man reported the theft of prescription medication from his home in the 6800 block of east State Road 10 and was told the Starke County Sheriff’s Office does not do reports for stolen medication.

7/30/15 – Officers were notified of a dog locked in a car parked in front of Bailey’s Discount Center.

7/30/15 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 6600 block of west 400 South in North Judson. Damage was not sufficient enough to require a report, so the parties agreed to exchange information.

7/31/15 – Officers responded to a single-vehicle property damage accident on State Road 8 west of U.S. 35 and found a vehicle in a ditch. The driver was issued a summons to appear in court for driving while suspended prior.

7/31/15 – A resident in the 2400 block of south 100 West in North Judson reported a Rottweiler has been left on a chain outside an abandoned trailer and advised the dog is aggressive.

7/30/15 – A large tree limb fell on a Starke County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle assigned to Det. Sgt. Adam Gray, causing considerable damage to the top, sides and rear window. The county’s insurance company was notified. No injuries were reported.

8/1/15 – A resident in the 100 block of west William Howard Dr. in North Judson advised a pickup truck with two men just pulled into her yard and they beat her son.

8/1/15 – Officers took a crash report from a man who advised his car was run off of 1100 East north of U.S. 30 in Grovertown into a ditch.

8/1/15 – A resident in the 3100 block of south 550 East in Knox reported a break-in.

8/1/15 – Police, firefighters and EMS responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on State Road 8 at 700 East in Knox.

8/1/15 – Officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on State Road 10 just east of State Road 23. One of the drivers was arrested.

8/1/15 – Officers responded to Mark Bailey’s Discount Center for a report of a shoplifter who fled the area.

8/1/15 – Officers were notified of vandalism to a residence in the 2400 block of south 100 West in North Judson.

8/1/15 – A resident in the 4000 block of south 300 East in Knox reported being harassed by men in a car who keep driving by his residence.

8/1/15 – A caller reported juveniles burning items under one of the shelters at Lions Club Park in Koontz Lake.

8/1/15 – A shopper at Save a Lot asked officers to check on two dogs left in a car in the store parking lot.

8/1/15 – A resident in the 8800 block of south U.S. 35 in Monterey reported two men in a white Ford Taurus tore up the yard.

8/2/15 – A caller in the 400 block of south 700 East in Knox advised the neighbors to the north are having a loud party.

8/2/15 – A resident in the 2800 block of south Lart Lane reported the neighbor’s dog keeps lunging and trying to attack him.

8/2/15 – A caller reported a hit-and-run accident in the 8000 block of north State Road 23 in Walkerton.

8/2/15 – A Koontz Lake resident’s daughter is reportedly receiving threats and being harassed.

8/3/15 – A deputy responded to a property damage accident on U.S. 421 south of State Road 10 in San Pierre.

8/3/15 – A deputy responded to a property damage accident on U.S. 35 near U.S. 30 in Hamlet.

8/3/15 – Sheriff’s deputies, EMS and first responders all responded to an injury accident in the 700 block of east State Road 8 in Knox.

8/3/15 – A deputy responded to an animal complaint in the 8900 block of east 150 South in Knox.

8/3/15 – A deputy responded to a property damage accident in the parking lot of Richard’s Disposal in the 5100 block of west State Road 10 in North Judson.

8/3/15 – Damage was reported to a field on 200 South east of Ober.

8/4/15 – A Knox business owner reported receiving calls and texts from suspicious persons wanting him to take an order with their credit cards.

8/4/15 – An officer responded to a property damage accident in the Save a Lot parking lot on U.S. 35.

8/4/15 – A resident in the 9600 block of east State Road 8 in Knox reported the theft of several things from her residence.

Arrests

Inclusion in the arrest reports is merely a record an arrest was made and is not an indication of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

8/1/15 – Zbiginew Rychtarczyk, 39, Oak Lawn, Ill. – Operating a vehicle with an ACE of .15 or more and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person.

Several months worth of investigations into burglaries around Starke County led to the recent arrests of three people. Detectives found stolen property at a residence in the 300 block of 500 East in Knox, according to a news release.

Suspects David Spohn, 30, of Knox,and Stephen Danti, 35, of Grovertown, were arrested. A third suspect, Michael Byer, 27, of Grovertown, reportedly resisted arrest and led officers from several agencies on an hour chase through the woods near the Yellow River. K-9 Terror tracked Byer into the river, where he was arrested.

Detectives executed a search in warrant for the residence, garage and a van and reportedly recovered hundreds of stolen items and evidence relating to the crimes.

All three suspects face burglary and theft charges. Byer is also charged with resisting arrest. Additional charges are pending.

Investigators advise most of the items have been returned to their owners, but some still have not been claimed. Any victims of a burglary or theft in Starke County are asked to contact chief detective Rob Olejniczak at 574-772-3771 ext 6.

The Knox and Hamlet Police and DNR assisted with the arrest and apprehension of the three suspects.

A month long investigation by the Knox Police Department into suspected drug activity ended with five arrests. Officers served a search warrant at 507 S. Heaton Street on Monday and found an active meth lab, multiple items used to manufacture the drug and illegal prescription medications, according to a news release.

Those arrested include 54-year-old James C. Clemons of Knox, 50-year-old Carmen Clemons of Knox, 22-year-old Levi Clemons of Knox, 20-year-old Payge Craft of Knox and 30-year-old Jacqueline Beem of Winamac. They all face preliminary charges of manufacturing methamphetamine as a level five felony. Formal charges are pending.

Members of the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team assisted with the investigation and processed the meth lab.

Formal charges are pending against a 30-year-old Knox man accused of having sex with a juvenile. Officers from the Knox Police Department arrested Charles A. Dixon on Friday, Oct. 23 following an investigation prompted by an Oct. 19 report to the Department of Child Services.

Dixon admitted to the allegations, according to information released by the police department. He’s jailed on three preliminary counts of sexual misconduct with a minor as a Level 4 felony.

The post Knox Man Faces Sexual Misconduct with a Minor Charges appeared first on WKVI Information Center.

The fire that destroyed a vacant home in the 300 block of John Street in Knox last Tuesday was deliberately set, according to investigators.

The Knox-Center Township Fire Department responded just before 9 p.m. on Oct. 27 and found flames coming from both levels of the two-story home. No injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by the Knox Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to call 574-772-4122.

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A runaway teenage girl who gave the officer who picked her up the slip Thursday night is lodged in a juvenile treatment facility following an extensive, multi-agency search.

Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin says deputies were investigating a report of a runaway teenage girl. An off-duty deputy found her walking on Toto Road and called for an on-duty officer to assist. When they approached the girl, the officers reportedly determined she was under the influence of alcohol and placed her under arrest.

While en route to the Starke County Justice Center, the girl managed to unsnap her seatbelt and got out of the slow-moving patrol car. She then fled into a heavily wooded area on 550 East, according to Dulin.

Several sheriff’s deputies, including both K-9 officers, arrived and searched the area. Knox City Police and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and their K-9 officer also helped with the search. Dulin says the strong winds kept the dogs from picking up the girl’s scent.

The officers canvassed the area for 90 minutes before broadening their search. That’s when a Starke County deputy who was using his patrol car’s thermal imaging camera spotted someone running about a mile and a half from the area where the girl escaped. The other officers closed in and apprehended her. She was treated at IU Health Starke Hospital and released to a juvenile facility.

Officers from Starke County Community Corrections, DNR and the Knox-Center Township Volunteer Fire Department aided with the search.

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The recent snowfall was no match for the new City of Knox plow truck. Street Superintendent Jeff Borg told the board of works last week it handled well and was able to plow the streets without any mechanical problems.

He did note abandoned cars parked alongside city streets did pose a problem when it came to clearing roadways. Most of the snow that fell the weekend before Thanksgiving had melted by the time the board of works met on Wednesday. However Borg noted a few spots where cars are still covered in snow or it is piled up around the vehicle.

City officials say this not only hinders snow removal, it is also an eyesore. Police officers can ticket abandoned vehicles and can also have them towed at the owner’s expense.

Knox Snow and Street Sweeping Routes

Citation of an Illegally Parked Vehicle

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A LaPorte man faces intimidation charges in Starke County after he reportedly threatened several people with a gun at a Knox residence yesterday.

Officers from the Knox Police Department responded to an address in the 1000 block of East Washington Street. The caller told them 41-year-old Deion S. Manns was there to retrieve property. An argument ensued, and Manns reportedly pointed a handgun and threatened the people there.

Manns left in a black passenger car before the police arrived. They traced him to an address in the 800 block of south 300 East in LaPorte, where he was arrested by deputies from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.

Manns is jailed in Starke County on a preliminary charge of intimidation as a Level 5 felony. Formal charges are pending.

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Knox Police say two people are in custody after a meth lab exploded early this morning.

They were dispatched to an upstairs apartment at the corner of Main and Lake Streets just after midnight. The building was evacuated, but Knox Police say two adults and a child fled before officers and firefighters showed up.

Det. Dave Combs from the Knox Police Department says they got a search warrant for the property and found an active meth lab. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team was called in to assist with the cleanup. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Knox Fire Department also responded. The names of the suspects have not yet been released. Combs adds two officers were taken to IU Health Starke Hospital for treatment of chemical burns.

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The man and woman police say fled from a Knox apartment where a meth lab exploded early this morning are lodged in the Starke County Jail.

Both 33-year-old Jacob Hanselman and 25-year-old Tiffany Shivley face charges of manufacturing methamphetamine. The Knox Police and Fire Departments were summoned to their apartment at the corner of Main and Lake Streets in downtown Knox just after midnight. Police say Hanselman, Shivley and a preschool-age child fled before they arrived but were apprehended later this morning at the Knox Burger King. The child was turned over to DCS.

Officers got a search warrant for the apartment, where they reportedly found evidence of meth manufacture. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office also assisted, and the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team was called in for cleanup. A Knox Police Officer and a Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy were treated at IU Health Starke Hospital for chemical burns and released.

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A man and woman from Knox are jailed on drug charges following an investigation by the Knox Police Department.

They executed a search warrant Thursday at a home in the 300 block of Riverside Drive and arrested 30-year-old Kristin R. Lenig and 31-year old Eric T. Baughman. Formal charges are pending, but preliminary charges include illegal drug lab, possession of a narcotic drug and possession of methamphetamine. Deputies and a K-9 unit from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the warrant execution.

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A Knox man who tried to flee from a Starke County Sheriff’s Deputy late Monday night didn’t get very far, thanks to the newest member of the department. Det. Sgt. Adam Gray and K9 Zardoz responded to the area of U.S. 30 north of U.S. 35 around 11:30 p.m. and quickly tracked down 33-year-old Earl W. Beem of Knox.

He was a passenger in a car that had been pulled over, according to a sheriff’s office news release. Beem fled as the vehicle stopped. He was arrested on a felony parole warrant and also faces a resisting law enforcement charge. Beem is jailed without bond.

The driver, 31-year-old Jeffery K. Manns of North Judson, was arrested for false informing and traffic related offenses. He has since bonded out of jail.

The Knox Police Department and Indiana State Police arrested with the investigation.

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A Knox man was airlifted to a South Bend hospital after being struck by a car last night in front of the BP Station on U.S. 35. Knox Police Chief Harold Smith says the crash happened just after 7:30 p.m.

The victim, 63-year-old Wilgus Terry of Knox, was initially taken via ambulance to IU Health Starke Hospital before being flown to South Bend with what are described as critical injuries. A hospital spokeswoman tells WKVI news he’s in stable condition.

He was struck by a southbound vehicle driven by 44-year-old George Felty of Knox. The crash is still under investigation.

Starke County EMS, the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Knox Fire Department assisted with the response.

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The Winamac man accused of leading police from multiple departments on a Wednesday afternoon high-speed chase and manhunt is facing several felony and misdemeanor charges in Starke County.

Prosecutor Nick Bourff tells WKVI News 27-year-old a probable cause affidavit has been filed against David Allen. Formal charges are pending, but Bourff says they will include the Level 6 felony offenses of auto theft and resisting law enforcement along with the B Misdemeanors of Reckless Driving and Criminal Mischief and a Habitual Offender Enhancement. Allen’s initial hearing in Starke Circuit Court will take place after the formal charges are filed.

During the pursuit east of Knox, Allen reportedly threw items believed to be drugs from the windows. Police later determined one was a bottle of contact lens solution and one was a bottle of non-prescription pain reliever.

The incident started Wednesday afternoon when a Knox Police officer tried to pull Allen over on Water Street. Instead of stopping, police say he fled out of town on County Road 50 East. Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office chased him down several back roads to game preserve at the intersection of State Roads 10 and 39. That’s where he abandoned the car, jumped in a ditch in an attempt to avoid capture and tried to hide, according to the police report.

Officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Knox, North Judson, Hamlet and Indiana State Police and the DNR formed a perimeter, and Starke County Sheriff’s K-9 Zardos tracked him down. Allen was taken to IU Health Starke Hospital before being released into the sheriff’s custody. He was booked into the Starke County Jail early Thursday morning.

**Editor’s Note: This corrects our original story, which stated Allen had already been formally charged. The process is under way, but as of Friday afternoon charges had not yet been filed. We apologize for the confusion and regret the error.

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A Knox couple accused of using drugs in the presence of their children were arrested Friday afternoon following a month-long investigation by the Knox Police Department.

Chief Harold Smith says his officers executed a search warrant at a home in the 500 block of Madison Street. They arrested 28-year-old Warren Coffin III and 27-year-old Judith Nevil, both of Knox.

She faces charges of possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance, both of which are Level 6 felonies. Coffin is charged with maintaining a common nuisance. Both remain in jail pending the filing of formal charges.

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Department of Child Services assisted with the search warrant execution.

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