Law enforcement agencies throughout Starke County are joining forces to combat the local drug epidemic. During last night’s drug symposium hosted by the Knox Police Department and DCS, Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff announced a partnership that’s been two years in the planning. The Starke County Major Crimes Unit is an investigative task force made up of officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, the Knox Police Department and the Hamlet Police Department.
Bourff says the North Judson Police Department’s formal participation is on hold due to the recent death of Town Marshal Doug Vessely, who was very involved in the discussions.
He says the unit has been formed to investigate felony-level narcotics cases within Starke County and will also be conducting full investigations into overdose-related deaths. Knox Police Chief Harold Smith, Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin, Hamlet Town Marshal and Knox Police and Detective Dave Combs of the Knox Police Department, who is the unit commander.
Bourff says members of the Starke County Major Crimes Unit have made 29 drug-related arrests in the past two weeks. He credits their success to teamwork.
Anyone with knowledge or suspicion of drug activity to report it by calling the Starke County Sheriff’s Office at 574-772-3771. Tips can also be submitted via their website at www.starkecountysheriff.com or on their Facebook page.
