Kiwi News Network

  INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) made a highly unusual discovery last week when they intercepted two live smoke grenades, one of which was deliberately concealed inside a full jar of peanut butter packed within a passenger's checked luggage. According to an official agency statement released today, the incident began during routine baggage screening when automated security equipment flagged a traveler's checked bag, triggering an alert that required a physical inspection. When a supervisory TSA officer and an explosives specialist arrived to inspect the contents, they uncovered the hazardous items. Michael Dunphy, an 18-year TSA explosives specialist and a U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal veteran, handled the inspection. "After all contents were removed from the bag, I thought, 'Weren’t there two grenades in this bag?'" Dunphy stated. "After additional inspection o...

  Avon, IN — Firefighters quickly contained a residential fire Thursday evening after responding to a home on Meadow Glen Dr., just east of Park Place Blvd. in Avon. The Avon Fire Department was dispatched just after 5:30 p.m. for a reported house fire. Arriving crews encountered smoke coming from the residence and located an active fire at the rear of the home. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 15 minutes, preventing the flames from spreading further. Based on information from the scene, it does not appear anyone was home at the time of the fire. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been released, and the incident remains under investigation.

  AVON, IN — A Town of Avon employee was seriously injured Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle at Ronald Reagan Parkway and County Road 100 N. According to emergency responders, the incident occurred just after 10:00 a.m. Avon Police and Fire personnel responded immediately to the scene to provide emergency medical aid. The victim was stabilized at the scene before being transported to Eskenazi Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Town Officials later confirmed that the pedestrian is an employee of the Town of Avon. The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision remained at the scene following the crash. Investigators stated that the driver has been fully cooperative with law enforcement as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The intersection was restricted for a period of time while crash investigators documented the scene. The Avon Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the cause of the collision. Additi...

  AVON, Ind. — Emergency crews were dispatched at 8:20 p.m. this evening to a single-vehicle accident on E County Road 100 S, just west of Avon Avenue. The vehicle involved in the crash struck a fire hydrant, resulting in a significant water main break. What began as flooding in several yards escalated into a widespread issue, with water continuing to flow from the damaged hydrant for a little over two hours before it was finally shut off by the water company.  The impact has extended across the neighborhood, with many houses suffering from flooded yards along E County Road 100 S. Additionally, there is evidence of structural damage, including at least one resident who is dealing with a completely flooded crawl space.

  North Salem, IN — A Hendricks County jury has found Matthew Mensch guilty on all counts related to threats, intimidation, and the distribution of an intimate image involving his former girlfriend and her family. According to the Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office, the case stemmed from a series of incidents that occurred after the relationship ended. Prosecutors said Mensch repeatedly sent threatening text messages and voicemails to his former girlfriend and members of her family. Evidence presented during trial included messages containing threats directed at the victim, her daughter, and her daughter's fiancé. On Oct. 31, 2023, prosecutors said Mensch drove to the family's residence in North Salem and aggressively pounded on doors while yelling profanities. Family members, including a small child, were inside the home at the time. Security camera footage presented during trial showed Mensch at the residence and captured him removing and damaging security cameras on t...

AVON, IN — A Hendricks County jury has found Zachary Stober guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor following a three-day trial. The level 4 felony conviction wrapped up last week when a judge handed down a 10-year sentence in the Indiana Department of Corrections, which puts him just two years shy of the maximum penalty allowed for the charge. The case brought forward a mountain of digital evidence showing a repetitive pattern of behavior. Investigators with the Avon Police Department discovered that Stober was actively using various social media platforms and phone messaging apps to seek out and groom young kids. In some of the instances uncovered by police, he was targeting victims who were only nine years old. For this specific conviction, court records show he used those online apps to set up a meeting with a local girl before bringing her back to his apartment complex over in Avon. During the sentencing phase, the court focused heavily on the fact that Stober wasn't dealing...

  PLAINFIELD, IN — Last week, our community suffered a devastating loss when a missing 6-year-old child was found in a nearby pond . As we all continue to grieve alongside the family, it’s a heavy reminder of just how fast a child or a loved one with special needs can wander off and end up in a dangerous situation . While vigilance is our first line of defense, specialized technology exists to provide an extra layer of security when seconds matter most . One program designed to help prevent these tragedies is Project Lifesaver . Project Lifesaver partners with local public safety agencies to quickly locate individuals who are prone to wandering due to autism, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, or other cognitive conditions . The program relies on reliable radio-frequency technology . Participants wear a small, lightweight transmitter bracelet on their wrist or ankle that emits a unique tracking signal 24 hours a day . If they go missing, ...

  Plainfield, IN. Community members gathered in Plainfield for Public Safety Day, an event that brought together local first responders and residents for a day of education, demonstrations, and family friendly activities. Visitors had the opportunity to meet police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other public safety personnel while learning more about the services they provide throughout the community. Emergency vehicles, safety displays, and interactive activities were featured throughout the event. One of the highlights of the day was a K9 demonstration, which drew the attention of attendees and showcased the training and capabilities of law enforcement working dogs. Public Safety Day continues to provide an opportunity for residents to connect with the men and women who serve and protect the community while promoting public safety awareness.

 Avon, IN — Residents wondering why little work appears to be taking place at the 10th Street and Raceway Road roundabout project now have an answer. According to the Town of Avon, crews discovered an uncharted clay sanitary sewer line in a critical area where underground road construction must begin. Before roadwork can continue, the sewer line must be relocated. The discovery helps explain why many residents have reported seeing little activity at the construction site in recent weeks despite the intersection remaining closed. Town officials said the sewer relocation requires engineering design, regulatory approvals, and specialized construction work before road construction can resume. Avon recently reported that design work has been completed and preparations are underway to relocate the line. Officials also stated that utility relocation work being performed by three utility companies is continuing as planned and is not expected to delay the overall project. When the intersec...

  Avon, IN — Emergency crews responded to a serious multi vehicle crash on US 36 near the Avon Town Hall and Police Station on Tuesday afternoon. The crash was first reported just before 4:30 p.m. According to initial reports, three vehicles were involved in the collision. Avon Police and Avon Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and found two individuals trapped inside their vehicles. Firefighters worked to safely extricate both victims from the wreckage while paramedics treated multiple injured individuals at the scene. It was reported that three people were transported to area hospitals for further treatment. The severity of the injuries remains unknown at this time. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available. Viewer Submitted Photo:

 Stilesville, IN — Prosecutors in Hendricks County have filed additional felony charges against Kenneth and Elba Vazquez as the investigation into the death of 11-year-old Oaklynn Vazquez continues. The couple had already been charged earlier this year with neglect of a dependent resulting in death after investigators responded to the family’s home on Feb. 14 and found the child unresponsive. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Updated court records now show prosecutors have added several more charges against both parents, including conspiracy to commit neglect of a dependent resulting in death, aggravated battery resulting in death, criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon, and two additional neglect charges. Investigators have previously alleged the child suffered prolonged neglect and severe malnourishment before she was found unresponsive inside the home on Feb. 14. Emergency crews attempted life-saving effort...

 Brownsburg, IN — Several fire companies from Avon and Brownsburg responded to reports of smoke coming from a third floor unit at Legacy Park Apartments near S Green St and Northfield Dr around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Responding crews determined the smoke was caused by an issue with an HVAC unit and was isolated to a single residence.

 Indianapolis, IN — Emergency crews responded to a serious three vehicle crash Tuesday night near the intersection of US 36 and Mission Dr., just west of High School Rd., on the west side of Indianapolis. The incident was dispatched at approximately 10:50 p.m. Tuesday night and led to the closure of Rockville Rd. in both directions as first responders worked at the scene. Crews from Avon Fire responded and assisted Wayne Township emergency personnel during the incident. Initial reports indicated the crash involved three vehicles. Information regarding injuries has not been released, and officials have not yet provided additional details about those involved. Additional information, including the cause of the crash and the condition of those involved, has not been released at this time. 

  Danville, IN — Authorities have now released additional details surrounding the large police response and SWAT activity that unfolded earlier today on Edgewood Drive in Hendricks County. I first broke news of the developing incident on my scanner page this afternoon after reporting that Avon Police had been requested to assist Hendricks County Sheriff's deputies and Danville Police on a barricaded suspect situation. At the time, a BearCat armored vehicle had been deployed and fire crews were staged nearby as the response quickly expanded. According to details released later, Hendricks County Sheriff's deputies were originally dispatched to Edgewood Drive for a reported domestic disturbance around 1 p.m. Investigators say deputies encountered a suspect outside the residence. During the encounter, the suspect reportedly went in and out of the home multiple times before eventually returning outside carrying a rifle. As the situation continued, officers from Avon, Plainfield ...

  Avon, IN — On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in Avon has officially closed its doors, ending the run for the longtime restaurant after years in the community. The closure comes as the chain continues restructuring following financial challenges earlier this year. On The Border filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and was later purchased by Pappas Restaurants. Despite the buyout, not every location made the cut as the company moved forward with changes across its restaurant portfolio. Employees at the Avon location were informed earlier this week that the restaurant would be closing. Today, the company publicly confirmed the decision through a social media announcement, officially marking the end of the Avon location. The closure is part of broader changes affecting On The Border locations nationwide as the company works through restructuring efforts under its new ownership.

 Brownsburg, IN — A serious crash caused a vehicle fire in northeast Brownsburg Friday night, prompting a response from multiple fire agencies after emergency crews were dispatched around 9:00 p.m. to the area of Wilson Rd and County Rd 1050 E. Firefighters from Brownsburg and Pike Township Fire Departments responded to reports of a serious accident and arrived to find a single vehicle completely engulfed in flames. Downed power lines at the scene created additional hazards as crews worked to secure the area and extinguish the fire. The crash appeared to involve only a single vehicle and one occupant. Information regarding the condition of the driver was not immediately available Friday night. Emergency crews remained on scene while firefighters addressed the fire and hazards associated with the downed utility lines. The circumstances leading up to the crash have not been released, and authorities continue investigating the incident. V iewer Photo by Tara McDonald Noble  ...

Plainfield, IN — An investigation into multiple overnight vehicle break ins in Plainfield expanded into Indianapolis and ended with three suspects in custody after a police response that included SWAT. Plainfield Police alerted the community after receiving reports of overnight vehicle break ins near Andrews Blvd, Saratoga Blvd and Sugar Grove. As investigators worked to identify those involved, officers from Plainfield, Carmel and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department began tracking possible suspects connected to the investigation. According to police information shared during the developing incident, officers later identified a possible suspect vehicle near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Terrace Avenue in Indianapolis. During the encounter, multiple suspects reportedly fled from officers. Police said two suspects were quickly taken into custody while a third suspect ran, leading to a larger police response. As the situation unfolded, authorities said a shot was fir...

 Plainfield, IN — Plainfield Fire Department, alongside Avon Fire Department and Danville Fire Department crews, responded to Franklin Park in Plainfield at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night for a water rescue involving three juveniles stranded in White Lick Creek. According to information from the scene, a bystander directed firefighters to the location where crews discovered three juveniles stranded on a sandbar within the creek. Rescue swimmers and a boat were deployed as firefighters worked to safely reach the victims. Additional fire crews also staged downstream near US-40 as a precaution during the operation in the event conditions changed or victims were swept further downstream. The coordinated rescue effort lasted 45 minutes before all three juveniles were safely removed from the water. Minor injuries were reported. No additional information about the victims has been released.

Brownsburg, IN — A fire at the Fiber Global warehouse early Tuesday morning marked the third fire at the same facility in just 153 days, raising new questions about safety, repeated incidents, and concerns from nearby residents. Just before 2:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, Brownsburg Fire was initially dispatched to the Fiber Global facility at 10255 Archer Dr for a building alarm. After investigating, crews located smoke coming from the building and discovered fire pumps running inside the pump room, signaling a possible active fire event. According to responding crews, the building's sprinkler system was able to suppress the flames before they spread further. Even with the sprinkler system helping contain the fire, it still took firefighters nearly 90 minutes to fully extinguish it. Repeated fires at the same facility naturally raise questions. Additional inspections, safety reviews, and any recommendations made following previous incidents may now face increased attention. Questions ...

UPDATE 8:20pm 5/17 - She has been found.   Avon, IN — Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a missing runaway juvenile from Avon. According to the Avon Police Department, 17 year old Ava Spears was reported as a runaway and was last seen at approximately 4:30 p.m. near North Dan Jones Road and County Road 200 N at her residence. Police said Ava was wearing a pink sleeveless top, blue jean shorts, and sandals when she was last seen. She is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds. Investigators believe Ava may be traveling in a white Nissan Rogue and could be headed toward the Indianapolis area. Anyone with information regarding Ava's location is asked to contact the Hendricks County 911 Center at (317) 839-8700.

 Plainfield, IN — A suspect was detained Saturday afternoon following a shots fired incident at the GetGo located at 3061 E. Main Street in Plainfield. According to the Plainfield Police Department, officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:27 p.m. on May 16 after receiving reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, investigators determined no one had been injured. Police said the incident began with a minor vehicle crash in the GetGo parking lot. While the individuals involved were exchanging information, one person allegedly retrieved a pistol from a vehicle and fired multiple rounds into the air. Investigators say the suspect then entered the GetGo restroom and discharged the firearm again before leaving the area. The incident led to a large police response and the area around the business was temporarily blocked off as officers secured the scene and processed evidence A short time later, law enforcement located the suspect in Marion County and detained the individu...

Plainfield, IN — All lanes of I 70 eastbound remain closed at the 63 mile marker just west of the Plainfield Rest Area following a major crash involving an overturned semi truck early Saturday morning. According to emergency dispatch information, fire crews from Plainfield and Liberty Township were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:03 a.m. Crews remain at the crash site as they continue working the incident. Multiple injuries have been reported, though the severity of those injuries has not yet been released. The crash involved an overturned semi truck, leading to a full closure of eastbound lanes in the area as emergency responders and investigators work at the scene. Adding another layer to the incident, emergency radio traffic indicates a reckless driver was reported to 911 on I 70 in the same area just minutes before the crash occurred. The caller reportedly advised that the vehicle was attempting to run other drivers off the roadway. It is unknown whether the incide...

  Avon, IN — A middle school track meet at Avon Middle School North ended early Wednesday evening after a situation involving students escalated and required a police response, according to school officials. In a statement released by Principal Mike McKinney, officials said the incident began with a physical altercation involving two students during the meet. According to the school, the situation intensified after a parent arrived and further escalated the events taking place. An Avon Schools Police Department officer assigned to work the event responded immediately. School officials said additional assistance was requested, leading to several Town of Avon police officers arriving at the scene to help manage the situation. Due to concerns for the safety of students, staff, and spectators, officials made the decision to cancel the remainder of the track meet. Officers also assisted with clearing the area so attendees could leave safely. Video from the incident shows part of th...

  Brownsburg, IN — A vehicle fire at the new Meijer in Brownsburg was quickly extinguished Tuesday thanks to the rapid response from the Brownsburg Fire Department. Viewer video submitted by Geoff Carr captured flames coming from a vehicle in the parking lot as emergency crews arrived on scene. Brownsburg Fire Engine 133 responded to the incident and had the fire under control within five minutes of arrival. No injuries were reported.