As a result, Joseph Lippner of Knox was arrested on a preliminary charge of Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Heroin). Emilee Kajer of Knox was also arrested as part of this investigation on a preliminary charge Maintaining a Common Nuisance.
Avoid Becoming a Victim of Theft Rowe Offers Advice
A chief deputy at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department has released a statement advising residents of a rash of daytime break-ins throughout the county and offered tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. Chief Deputy Brack Rowe said that while local law enforcement agencies in the county and the surrounding area have been making every attempt to stop and catch these thieves, there are still a number of steps residents can take to keep their belongings safe.
First Responders Rescue Motorist from Submerged Vehicle
The female driver of a vehicle involved in a rollover wreck last night at the intersection of State Roads 8 and 39 was taken to IU Health Starke Hospital for treatment. Dispatchers at the Starke County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call around 9:30 last night. The caller advised the vehicle had rolled over and was submerged in a ditch. Officers from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Knox City Police Department were able to pull her from the vehicle. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital. The crash is still under investigation, and the woman’s name has not been released. There’s also no word yet on her condition. Members of the Knox Fire Department and Starke County Medics also responded.
Bope Announces Intention to File as Candidate for Sheriff
Four Good Samaritans Assist Starke County Officer at Accident Site
A deputy from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department came upon the vehicle on State Road 8 just east of State Road 39. The vehicle was upside down in a deep ditch filled with water.
New Starke County Jail Groundbreaking Ceremony Today
After years of planning and development, the time has finally come for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Starke County Sheriffs Department and Detention Center. The county commissioners announced that the groundbreaking will be held today from 10 to 11 a.m. and is open to the public. The ceremony will be held at the 24-acre construction site at the corner of State Road 8 and County Road 550 East in Knox. The proposed 146-bed facility will replace the 63-bed facility currently in use, a necessity according to Sheriff Oscar Cowen. He said the county is currently housing between 15 and 20 prisoners per day in other facilities and officials are desperate to get the facility finished. Continue reading
Drug Take Back Event This Saturday
The Indiana State Police is partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in a drug take back event.
You are encouraged to take your unwanted, expired and unused prescription medication to any Indiana State Police Post (except for the Toll Road Post in Bristol, IN) for proper disposal. There will be a designated receptacle for you to drop off your medication and no questions will be asked.
Additional Charges of Child Molestation Filed Against Knox Man
Indiana State Police detectives received information in August that 36-year-old Keith Thatcher of Knox reportedly engaged in a sexual misconduct incident with a 15-year-old in Michigan City. The incidents reportedly occurred since July 2012. Continue reading
Another Scam in Full Force in Starke County
Sheriff Oscar Cowen said the scammer will tell you that a debit card that you have with First Farmers Bank is lost and you need to press numbers on your phone and give out personal information in order to remedy the situation.
Sheriff Cowen noted that many times the person receiving the call will not even have an account with First Farmers. He assured that this is a scam and not to give any untrusted source any personal information, including your debit card, credit card, Social Security Number, or banking information.
Officers Bust Underage Drinking Party in Knox, 16 Arrested
A report of an underage drinking party at a home on Tribue Drive in Knox early Sunday morning resulted in 16 arrests for illegal possession of alcohol. Deputies from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the North Judson and Knox Police Departments responded just before 2 a.m. In addition to the arrests, a 15-year-old was taken home and released into the custody of his or her parents, according to a news release from the Starke County Sheriff’s Department.
Be Alert When Door-to-Door Salesmen Visit Your Home
These salesmen reportedly acted suspicious in nature. After an investigation, deputies found that the salesmen did not possess a peddler’s permit and were asked to leave. They were reportedly working for the Kirby vacuum company.
If you encounter unsolicited salespeople visiting your home, make sure their business logo is on a vehicle parked nearby or ask for credentials. Officers suggest you ask to see a peddler’s permit that allows them to sell the product they are pitching. If they do not have a permit, ask them to leave and call the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at (574) 772-3771. Be prepared to give a thorough description of the people in question.
Walkerton Man Arrested on Warrant, Drug-Related Charges
A Walkerton man was arrested in Knox on an outstanding warrant, and a subsequent investigation led to further drug-related charges for John Kwiatkowski. On Wednesday, an officer with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on U.S. 35 in Knox. Kwiatkowski, a passenger in the vehicle, was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest through St. Joseph County.
Four People Arrested on Methamphetamine-Related Charges in North Judson
Officers located the wanted suspect, Michael Mann, in the home along with three other people inside the residence. The officers also reportedly observed several items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Report of Shots Fired in North Judson Ends in Three Arrests for Battery
Two Arrested in Knox on Methamphetamine-Related Charges
Plea and Sentencing Hearing Today for Murder Suspect
Kathleen Holt has reportedly reached a plea agreement with the state. In the proposed agreement, Holt would plead guilty to a charge of Murder with a minimum sentence of 45 years and a maximum sentence of 55 years.
Motorcycle Driver Injured After High Speed Pursuit
A motorcycle driver was injured after crashing during a high speed police pursuit.
On Sunday evening, a Starke County officer noticed a motorcycle riding eastbound from 1100 East in Starke County traveling at over 100 mph. The driver, identified as Joshua T. Heineman, traveled into Marshall County and their officers were advised of the situation.
Medaryville Woman Arrested After Failing Field Sobriety Tests
The caller attempted to wake up 42-year-old Lori Schultz by speaking loudly and pounding on the car’s window, but she wouldn’t wake up. A deputy with the Starke County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the scene along with Starke County EMS and the San Pierre Fire Department.
Police Agencies Continue to Collected Unused, Expired Medications
The unused medications had been collected since April 27 and they were incinerated in a licensed facility.
Three Arrested at Koontz Lake Home
A three-month investigation led to the arrest of three people in Hamlet on Monday.
Officers from the Hamlet Police Department, with the assistance of the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search warrant at 7733 N. Kickapoo in Walkerton where they found items from multiple burglaries that occurred in Hamlet.
