Kiwi News Network

 PLAINFIELD, IN — Multiple fire departments from Plainfield and Avon responded to a working building fire at the Historic Thomas Little Mansion on Tuesday at  Fire crews arrived to find active flames and quickly began suppression efforts. Thanks to a fast and coordinated response, crews were able to knock down the fire in under 30 minutes. No injuries were reported. The Thomas Little Mansion is a Victorian-era home originally built in 1885. In June 2024, the Town of Plainfield, with assistance from Hendricks Regional Health, relocated the historic structure from its original site to its current location at 4590 Vandalia Blvd as part of a preservation effort. At this time, officials have not released information regarding the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage. Additional details are expected as fire investigators continue their work.

 A Hendricks County judge has sentenced S’Doni Pettis to 74 years in the Indiana Department of Correction , the maximum sentence allowed under Indiana law , following a violent police pursuit that ended in a catastrophic crash and the deaths of two young children. The sentence was imposed in Hendricks County Circuit Court . Earlier this year, Pettis pled guilty to all charges midway through his trial , and the court entered convictions on every count related to the incident. The case stems from the morning of February 5, 2025 , when Pettis, who was already on probation in Marion County for aggravated battery, stole a vehicle in Indianapolis and fled west toward Hendricks County. After an Avon police officer confirmed the vehicle was stolen and attempted a lawful traffic stop, Pettis chose to flee. Investigators said Pettis sped westbound on U.S. 40 , approaching the intersection at Ronald Reagan Parkway at extreme speeds. He ran a red light and crashed into a family’s SUV , s...

 AVON, Ind. — One of the vehicles involved in a serious crash that flipped an SUV and left a driver trapped had been reported to 911 just minutes earlier for reckless driving , according to dispatch traffic. The crash occurred on US-36 just west of Shiloh Crossing Drive in Avon. Prior to the collision, a broadcast alert regarding the reckless driver had been issued to all Avon-area police officers , warning them of the vehicle’s behavior. Following the crash, Avon Fire Department responded to the scene and conducted an operation to free the trapped driver from the overturned SUV. Emergency crews worked to safely extricate the driver while police secured the area. At this time, no additional details have been released regarding the condition of those involved or whether charges are pending. The incident remains under investigation.

PLAINFIELD, Ind. — A man working at a Plainfield hotel says his legally parked vehicle was struck by a commercial waste truck early in the morning on February 5 , and that he would not have known what happened if not for surveillance video from the property. According to the vehicle owner, Ryan Gray , the incident occurred at approximately 5:53 a.m. while his vehicle was parked in the lot of the Wingate hotel in Plainfield , where he was working at the time. Gray says surveillance footage from the hotel reportedly shows a commercial waste truck operated by LRS striking the driver’s side of his parked vehicle with enough force to move it several inches. He says the driver left the area without notifying him or leaving any contact or insurance information. Gray states that he only became aware of the collision after reviewing the surveillance footage. “I wouldn’t have known anything happened if it wasn’t for the video,” Gray said. Police were later contacted and a report was filed. G...

A two-alarm fire was reported at 6:49 p.m. Monday at the Amazon warehouse in Plainfield, prompting a large emergency response from multiple fire departments. Fire crews from Plainfield, Avon, and several surrounding departments responded to the Amazon facility located at 1750 Smith Rd after a working building fire was reported and later upgraded to a two-alarm incident. Firefighters worked to contain the fire and ensure the safety of everyone inside the building. Officials confirmed that all employees were safely evacuated from the warehouse and that everyone was accounted for. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours, with operations wrapping up just before 10:00 p.m. No additional details have been released at this time. 

 Avon Police have released details surrounding a domestic violence investigation that unfolded earlier this month and ultimately led to an arrest following a peaceful surrender on February 6. Police say officers were initially called to a residence in the Cedar Bend subdivision on February 2 for a reported domestic disturbance. During that incident, a 40-year-old male suspect allegedly barricaded himself inside a bathroom, made violent threats toward responding officers, and was determined to be intentionally starting a fire inside the home. According to police, the suspect resisted arrest and attacked officers with a knife. No officers were injured during the encounter. Officers used less-lethal force to subdue the suspect and prevent further harm. Following the incident, the suspect was transported to a medical facility for emergency treatment and psychological evaluation. In the days that followed, investigators continued reviewing the case and obtained an arrest warrant char...

 Students at Avon High School participated in a walkout today to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), joining a broader wave of student demonstrations happening nationwide. The walkout took place during the school day and remained entirely on school grounds. Students gathered in designated outdoor areas on campus, holding signs and voicing their concerns related to immigration policy and enforcement practices. Participants did not leave school property at any point. The demonstration was student-led and peaceful. School operations continued during the walkout, and there were no reports of safety issues or disruptions beyond students stepping out of class to participate. Students involved said the walkout was intended to raise awareness and express solidarity with immigrant communities. While views on the issue vary, the event served as a way for students to make their voices heard through nonviolent and lawful expression. School officials allowed the demonstration...

  AVON, IN — A man connected to a violent 2023 home invasion and shooting at the Mosaic Apartment Complex in Avon has been convicted on multiple felony charges in Hendricks Superior Court. Following a three-day bench trial, Jermaine Montrel Cole Jr. was found guilty of Burglary as a Level 1 Felony, Attempted Murder as a Level 1 Felony, and Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury as a Level 2 Felony . The case stems from an armed break-in that left a victim with multiple gunshot wounds. According to evidence presented in court, Cole and others forced entry into an apartment while armed, leading to a gunfire exchange inside the residence. The victim was seriously injured but returned fire during the incident. Investigators later determined that Cole arrived at a local hospital shortly after the shooting with gunshot wounds consistent with the exchange. After the incident, law enforcement located a vehicle believed to be involved in the getaway. During attempts to take those i...

A disturbing incident unfolded Sunday morning, February 2nd, at the Avon Walmart involving a firearm inside the store. According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 11:42 a.m. in the customer service area of Walmart. Investigators say a 73-year-old male pulled a firearm from his jacket and reportedly held the weapon up to his own head while inside the store. Walmart employees immediately alerted an off-duty Avon Police officer who was present at the location at the time. Before officers were able to confront the individual inside the store, the suspect reportedly left Walmart and drove away. The off-duty officer, identified as Patrolman Brace , forwarded photos of the suspect to an intelligence analyst with the Avon Police Department. Authorities were then able to identify the suspect and locate an address connected to him. Sometime later, Officer Brace responded to 1749 N Lynhurst Drive , where he made contact with the suspect, who was identified as Jerry Gart...

A major lottery prize may still be sitting somewhere in Brownsburg. According to the Hoosier Lottery, a winning Fast Play ticket worth nearly $2 million was sold locally on Friday. The ticket was purchased at the GetGo convenience store located at 1051 N. Green Street . At this time, officials say the winning ticket has not yet been claimed, and the identity of the winner is still unknown. The lottery is encouraging anyone who may have recently purchased a Fast Play ticket in the area to check their tickets carefully. Fast Play games are printed directly from the lottery terminal, meaning the winning ticket could easily be misplaced or forgotten without being checked. Hoosier Lottery representatives remind players that all prizes must be claimed within the required time period, and tickets should be kept in a safe place.

Photo Credit: ISP     A secondary crash involving an Indiana State Police trooper was reported earlier this morning on Interstate 70 eastbound west of Plainfield . According to Indiana State Police, Trooper Jordan Hall was parked on the shoulder of I-70 investigating a rollover crash just east of the IN-39 exit , an area located west of the Town of Plainfield , when another vehicle lost control and struck the rear of the trooper’s patrol car. Both Trooper Hall and the driver of the other vehicle were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities say the injuries sustained in the crash are non-life-threatening . This incident occurred just days after another Indiana State Police trooper was struck in nearly the same stretch of I-70 west of Plainfield . On January 25 , that trooper was hit by two semi trucks while working along the interstate. Indiana State Police are again reminding drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, especially during wi...

 A Hendricks County highway department snowplow driver was arrested after deputies reported signs of impairment at the scene of a crash involving a county-owned plow. According to the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office, the driver—identified as 36‑year‑old Bradley Murphy of Danville—was not injured in the incident. Deputies noted indicators of possible impairment and conducted on‑scene testing before transporting Murphy to the Hendricks County Jail for further evaluation. County officials later confirmed that Murphy has been terminated from his position with the highway department as a result of the incident. Murphy was released after posting a $300 bond. He is facing preliminary charges related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, including allegations of having a blood alcohol concentration above .08%. This incident was first reported on our other page, Hendricks County Scanner Alerts, yesterday at 5:30 PM.

Photo Credit: Lynn Easton   A fire involving multiple large tow trucks broke out Tuesday evening at Ploughe Wrecker Service along US 136 in Pittsboro . The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. , prompting a response from Brownsburg Fire and Pittsboro Fire . Upon arrival, crews found two large tow trucks actively burning on the property. Firefighters worked for nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control. Crews remained on scene along US 136 while extinguishing hot spots and securing the area. No injuries have been reported at this time. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.

Photo Credit: ISP   PLAINFIELD, IN — An Indiana State Police vehicle was struck by two semi-trucks on Interstate 70 in Plainfield on Wednesday afternoon. The crash happened just west of State Road 267 on I-70 around noon. According to information learned at the scene, the trooper involved was not injured and is reported to be okay. The incident led to the temporary closure of I-70 westbound as emergency crews responded and worked to clear the scene. Traffic was significantly impacted for a time while the crash was investigated and damaged vehicles were removed. As of the latest update, I-70 westbound has reopened to one lane , though drivers should continue to expect delays while traffic normalizes.

 A working house fire broke out Friday afternoon on Poplar Road in Brownsburg , just east of State Road 267. The fire was reported shortly after 3 p.m. , with firefighters arriving to find active fire conditions at the residence. Crews worked quickly to control the flames and prevent further spread throughout the home. The fire appeared to have originated in the attic above the garage , which created challenges for firefighters as they worked to access and extinguish the fire. Emergency crews remained on scene for an extended period while suppression efforts continued and hot spots were addressed. 

 The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Hendricks County, effective from noon Saturday through 7 AM Monday . This warning replaces the earlier Winter Storm Watch as forecasters now have increased confidence that hazardous winter weather will impact the region. Forecasters are now expecting heavy snowfall , with 6 to 10 inches likely across the county. The most intense conditions are projected to develop late Saturday and continue into early Monday, potentially disrupting travel and creating dangerous road conditions. Travel Impacts: Motorists should prepare for very difficult travel , especially during the Monday morning commute. Roads may become slick and visibility could be reduced during periods of heavy snow. Residents are strongly encouraged to delay unnecessary travel and use extreme caution if driving becomes unavoidable. Safety Recommendations: If travel is essential, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, food, and wat...

  PLAINFIELD, Ind. — Emergency crews responded to a serious multi-vehicle crash with entrapment at a busy Plainfield intersection early Wednesday afternoon. At approximately 1:15 p.m. , Plainfield Fire was dispatched to the intersection of U.S. 40 and State Road 267 for reports of a multi-vehicle accident with a person trapped inside one of the vehicles. Upon arrival, fire crews confirmed the entrapment and immediately began rescue operations. Firefighters were able to quickly extricate the trapped patient , allowing emergency medical personnel to provide care and transport as needed. The extent of the patient’s injuries has not been released. Due to the crash and rescue efforts, traffic at the intersection was temporarily impacted. Emergency responders worked efficiently to clear the scene and reopen lanes , minimizing delays at the heavily traveled crossroads. No additional details regarding the cause of the crash or the number of patients involved have been made availabl...

US-136 was closed in both directions just east of Country Club Road after a semi truck carrying a gasoline load rolled over. Officials reported that the truck tipped over, causing one of its four fuel compartments to leak , spilling gasoline onto the roadway. In the crash, a utility pole was also damaged, and power lines were dragged down, creating additional hazards for emergency crews. Multiple fire departments responded, along with the Department of Health , to contain the gasoline spill and ensure public safety. Crews worked for several hours to clean up the spill, remove debris, and secure the damaged power lines. The highway remained closed until authorities deemed the roadway safe for travel. No injuries were reported. The cause of the rollover remains under investigation.

  HENDRICKS COUNTY, INDIANA — S’Doni Pettis has changed his plea to guilty in connection with a deadly police pursuit that ended in Plainfield on February 5, 2025, killing two young children and injuring several others. A trial began today in Hendricks County Circuit Court, but proceedings took a dramatic turn when Pettis informed the court he wished to withdraw his previous not-guilty plea. The judge accepted the request, and Pettis officially entered a guilty plea on the record. Deadly Police Pursuit According to prosecutors, Pettis was on probation at the time of the incident. Court records state that he stole a gray Honda Civic from Indianapolis and began driving westbound on U.S. 40. Avon Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop after confirming the vehicle had been reported stolen. Instead of stopping, Pettis fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit toward Plainfield. Investigators say Pettis continued westbound at a dangerous rate of speed before entering the ...

 The Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill in Avon has closed its doors again, marking the second time the restaurant has shut down in the community. Smokey Bones first operated in Avon until 2007, when the chain’s former parent company, Darden Restaurants, closed dozens of locations nationwide. Avon was among the restaurants affected during that round of closures, which significantly reduced the chain’s footprint across the country. The brand later returned to Avon in 2022, opening in the former IHOP building along the busy US‑36 corridor. The comeback was part of a broader effort by Smokey Bones to reestablish itself in select markets after years of contraction. In recent years, the company has continued to adjust its national presence, closing multiple restaurants across the United States. Corporate statements have consistently cited underperformance and operational restructuring as reasons for the ongoing reductions. The closure of the Avon location aligns with those previously ann...

Photo Credit: Plainfield Fire PLAINFIELD, Ind. — Interstate 70 eastbound is completely shut down following a fully engulfed vehicle fire near State Road 267 late Sunday night.  The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Sunday , just west of SR 267. Plainfield Fire Department crews are on scene actively working to extinguish the fire and secure the area. Traffic is at a standstill as emergency responders handle the situation. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes while crews work to reopen the interstate. No information has been released at this time regarding injuries or how long the closure will last.

A commercial flight traveling from Philadelphia to Los Angeles was forced to divert to Indianapolis International Airport on Friday after the flight crew reported a dual emergency involving a medical situation on board and the need for an overweight landing. Because the aircraft diverted early in the flight and had not yet burned off enough fuel, it landed above its normal maximum landing weight. At the time of the diversion, the plane was carrying approximately 34,000 pounds of fuel. Due to the added stress placed on an aircraft during an overweight landing, airport officials initiated a full emergency response on Runway 23R at 3651 W. Perimeter Road. Fire crews from Indianapolis Airport Fire, Wayne Township Fire, and Plainfield Fire staged along the runway as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely and taxied directly to the gate so medical personnel could reach the passenger requiring urgent care. As part of standard safety procedures following an overweight landing, firefighters c...

 AVON, Ind. — Authorities have released booking information for the driver involved in a crash that occurred Monday afternoon at Ronald Regan Parkway and County Road 100 South in Avon. The driver has been identified as Sukhpreet Singh . According to court records, Singh has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, endangering a person , and reckless driving in connection with the incident. The crash caused significant disruption in the area as emergency crews responded to the scene. Multiple vehicles were involved, and traffic was impacted for an extended period while first responders worked to clear the roadway and investigate the cause of the crash. Singh was taken into custody following the incident and later released Tuesday morning after posting a $300 cash bond , according to jail records.

 A multi-vehicle crash occurred at Ronald Reagan Parkway & 100 S in Avon, Indiana earlier today. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and traffic was impacted while first responders worked to clear the area. While on scene, officers were observed conducting field sobriety tests on one individual involved in the crash . That person was later taken into custody , though official charges have not been confirmed at this time .