Kiwi News Network

  Hendricks County, IN — Ryan McLaughlin has been sentenced to 184½ years in the Indiana Department of Correction after being found guilty by a Hendricks County jury of repeatedly molesting a five year old child. McLaughlin was arrested on April 11, 2024 , after a probable cause finding resulted in an arrest warrant being issued. The case went to trial in August 2026, with the jury trial beginning on August 10 and continuing through August 12. On August 12, 2026 , the jury found McLaughlin guilty of three Level 1 felony counts of Child Molesting, a Level 4 felony count of Child Molesting, a Level 6 felony count of Dissemination of Matter Harmful to Minors and a Level 6 felony count of Failure to Register as a Sex or Violent Offender. The jury also found McLaughlin to be a Repeat Sex Offender and Habitual Offender . Following the verdicts, he was remanded to the custody of the Hendricks County Sheriff with no bond while awaiting sentencing. Evidence presented during the tri...

  Clayton, IN — Fire crews from Plainfield, Brownsburg, and Decatur Township were dispatched Saturday afternoon at 3:55pm to the I-70 overpass at IN-39 in Clayton following reports of a tanker truck that had tipped over onto its side. Emergency crews were also dispatched to the scene for a large spill involving the tanker. The extent of any injuries is currently unknown.

  Indianapolis, IN — Wayne Township Fire and IMPD were dispatched to Range USA at 120 Country Club Road just after noon today for a report of a person shot. An employee was reportedly suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand and was reported to be awake and breathing after firefighters arrived. The incident appears to have been accidental at this time.

  Hendricks County, IN — A Hendricks County man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Level 4 felony child molesting. Douglas Robert Russo was arrested in 2024 and originally faced three counts of child molesting. The charges included one Level 1 felony and two Level 4 felonies. The case was filed in Hendricks Superior Court 4 in November 2024. Russo appeared for his initial hearing several days later, where his bond was set at $40,000 cash and a no contact order was issued. The case continued through the court system for more than a year, with the scheduled jury trial being moved several times. A jury trial was eventually set for July 21, 2026. On July 17, a plea agreement was filed and the jury trial was canceled. Russo pleaded guilty on July 20 to two Level 4 felony counts of child molesting. The court established a factual basis for both counts and scheduled sentencing for August 31. Russo appeared in Hendricks Superior Court on August...

Avon, IN — Mo’ Bettahs held its “Avon Friends & ‘Ohana” event today as the new restaurant welcomed guests to its Avon location for a soft opening. Guests attending the event were able to get an early look at the new restaurant and try its food for free. The event gave people in the area a chance to experience Mo’ Bettahs before its regular operations get underway. Located at 8894 E US 36 in Avon , near Costco, Mo’ Bettahs brings Hawaiian-style food to Hendricks County . The restaurant is known for Hawaiian-inspired meals and flavors, giving local diners a chance to try something different from the usual options found around the area. The “Avon Friends & ‘Ohana” event was held as part of the restaurant’s soft opening, with free food offered to guests throughout the event. If you missed the opportunity to attend today, there will be another chance to stop by and try the food for free. Mo’ Bettahs will be offering free food again tomorrow from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM . The restaurant...

  Hendricks County, IN — A 55 year old man wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service in connection with an escape case has been arrested in Hendricks County. Max Austin was booked by the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office and is currently being held in the Hendricks County Jail on a U.S. Marshal hold . Austin had been wanted in connection with an escape case out of Clarksburg, West Virginia , since October 15, 2024 . He was last seen in Saginaw, Michigan , according to information released by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following his arrest in Hendricks County, Austin was booked on eight felony charges , including unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of methamphetamine. Other charges include theft, unlawful carrying of a handgun, identity deception and additional drug related offenses. Austin remains in the Hendricks County Jail while being held for the U.S. Marshals Service.

Indianapolis, IN — Panic erupted among spectators near the end of the Decatur Central High School vs. Avon High School football game Friday night as a large law enforcement presence responded to the stadium following reports of a possible weapon. Initial reports indicated that someone may have had a firearm, prompting a significant police response at the game. MSD Decatur Township later clarified that no weapon was found and no shots were fired. According to the school district, the incident involved an isolated medical emergency involving a spectator. Reports of a possible weapon circulated during the response, but police responded immediately to the situation. No injuries beyond the isolated medical emergency have been reported. The incident remains under investigation. MSD Decatur Township expressed appreciation for the assistance of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Decatur Township School Police during the response.

  Avon, IN — An 18 year old high school student in Avon was arrested after a knife was reportedly found at a school facility in Avon yesterday. Success Mark Williams, who participates in the OASIS program, was arrested following the incident. According to Avon Community School Corporation, OASIS is a specialized program for students with significant behavioral disabilities that allows students to receive services within their home school district. The district previously described OASIS as a self contained special education program designed to provide opportunities for students who benefit from smaller class sizes and more focused attention from educators. Williams is facing charges of Battery With a Deadly Weapon and Possession of a Knife on School Property. According to jail records, Williams is being held in the Hendricks County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond. The reported incident occurred at the school facility where the OASIS program is located. Additional information about the ...

  Indianapolis, IN — A 15 year old was reportedly run off the road while riding a mini bike at Bridgeport and Stonewall Drive just after 8:30 p.m. Monday evening. EMS and Fire were dispatched to the scene following the incident. Once crews arrived, police were requested to respond emergent due to arguing at the scene. According to witnesses, the driver of the vehicle attempted to run the 15 year old off the road. The vehicle then made contact with the rider, knocking him off the mini bike. The 15 year old was reported to have only minor injuries. Police responded to the scene following the request from emergency crews. It is currently unknown if any arrests were made in connection with the incident.

  Plainfield, IN — The Town of Plainfield is collecting donations for communities across Indiana that have been impacted by the recent flooding. Donations will be accepted Monday, August 17 through Wednesday, August 19 at the Plainfield Civic Center. The town is asking for several items that can help individuals and families dealing with the effects of the flooding, including diapers, wipes, hygiene products, new towels, cleaning supplies, heavy duty trash bags, rubber gloves, nonperishable food and individually packaged snacks. Donations collected during the drive will be distributed to organizations and communities working directly with people affected by the flooding. Residents who are able to donate are encouraged to consider picking up an extra item or two while shopping and dropping them off at the Civic Center. The Plainfield Civic Center is located at 206 W. Main Street.

  Avon, IN — Avon Police are investigating a road rage shooting that occurred this evening in the area of Ronald Reagan Parkway and County Road 100 South. According to Avon Police Public Information Officer Steven Barton, the occupant of one vehicle discharged a firearm at another involved vehicle during the incident. The initial call came in around 7:30 p.m. A caller reported being shot at by someone driving a black Toyota Camry with no license plates. The vehicle was reported fleeing toward US 40. Plainfield Police later located and stopped the suspect vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody. Avon detectives and officers are continuing to investigate the incident. No additional information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting has been released at this time.

  Brownsburg, IN — A 31 year old Brownsburg man was arrested Thursday after probable cause was found in a felony case involving multiple allegations of child exploitation and possession of CSAM. Tai Edward Ward was arrested August 13 by the Brownsburg Police Department after a warrant was issued in Hendricks Superior Court 4. The case was filed August 12, with the probable cause affidavit and charging information filed the same day. According to court records, Ward faces nine Level 4 felony charges. The charges include three counts of child exploitation and six counts of possession of CSAM. The three child exploitation charges list an offense date of March 20, 2024. The six possession of CSAM charges list an offense date of July 9, 2026. Court records show probable cause was found on August 13. Judge Mark A. Smith then ordered an arrest warrant to be issued with no bond . The warrant was served August 13, and Ward was subsequently booked into the Hendricks County Jail by the Brown...

  Danville, IN — A traffic stop in Danville early Thursday morning led to the arrest of a Georgia woman on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. According to the Danville Police Department, an officer stopped a red Ford Focus around 1:50 a.m. near Mackey Road after observing multiple traffic violations, including the vehicle crossing left of center several times. The driver was identified as 42 year old Jennifer Dixon of Barnesville, Georgia. During the investigation, officers learned Dixon was on probation and became concerned she may have been concealing contraband. Police say Dixon consented to a search of the vehicle, during which officers observed what appeared to be plastic bags inside her mouth. Officers ordered Dixon to spit out the items, but police say she instead attempted to destroy the evidence by chewing and swallowing the bags. Officers intervened, and police say Dixon resisted their efforts to recover the suspected narcotics. During the struggle, Dixon allegedly...

Danville, IN — A Danville man was arrested Tuesday after police responded to reports of 10 to 12 dogs running loose in the area of N. Cross St. and W. Columbia St., eventually discovering severe conditions inside the residence where the animals were being kept. The updated information was provided by Nate Lien, Detective Sergeant with the Danville Police Department. Dogs Escape From Home Police said officers were dispatched around 3:08 p.m. Tuesday after receiving reports of numerous dogs running loose in the roadway. Upon arrival, officers found multiple dogs throughout the area. Neighbors told police the dogs belonged to a residence at 213 N. Cross St. and believed additional dogs were still inside. Officers discovered a large hole on the south side of the home that appeared to be an exit point for the animals. From outside the residence, officers could see what appeared to be a significant accumulation of animal feces and detected a strong odor consistent with animal waste. Severa...

  Plainfield, IN — Plainfield Police arrested a 32 year old man Tuesday after officers responded to a residence on Pike Place following a report that a woman had been held against her will. According to the department’s Public Information Officer, the incident was domestic related and began the previous evening inside a garage area of the residence where a bedroom had been set up. Police said an argument occurred between the man and woman, during which the suspect allegedly prevented the woman from leaving and displayed a knife. The woman was reportedly unable to leave the residence until the following morning, when she was able to get away and contact police. Officers responded to the residence and took the suspect into custody. The woman was evaluated by EMS. The suspect was identified as 32 year old Ralph Lance Turner . Turner was booked into the Hendricks County Jail on August 11 and is facing Level 5 felony intimidation, Level 6 felony strangulation, Level 6 felony crim...

  Avon, IN — A single vehicle crashed into a power pole this evening at E County Rd 100 N and Miller Ln in Avon. An off duty Avon Police officer reported the crash around 6:12 PM . No other vehicles were involved. Avon Fire Department was dispatched to the scene to check for injuries and assess the situation. The extent of any injuries is unknown at this time.

  Avon, IN — A 911 caller says an Avon police officer left without checking on two small dogs after responding to a report of them being left inside a parked SUV outside BJ's Brewhouse on U.S. 36 in Avon yesterday afternoon, when temperatures were around 90 degrees. According to the caller, the 911 call was made just after 3 p.m., and it took approximately 15 minutes for an officer to arrive. By the time the officer arrived, the caller said the owner had briefly returned to the vehicle, opened the doors, given the dogs water, and walked back inside the restaurant. The caller said the officer spoke with the owner for about a minute before driving away. According to the caller, the officer never checked on the dogs before leaving the scene. After stopping the officer to ask why no action was being taken, the caller said the officer explained the dogs had water, the windows were down, and the owner was checking on them, so no further action was taken. The caller also told me that...

  AVON, Ind. — The family of JT Brill is asking for the public's help as they continue searching for answers following the fatal motorcycle crash that occurred at the intersection of Dan Jones Road and County Road 200 North in Avon on the evening of July 1. Emergency crews responded to the crash just before 9:30 p.m. The intersection remained closed for several hours while Avon Police conducted a crash reconstruction investigation. At the time, officials released very few details about the circumstances surrounding the crash. JT Brill , 23, died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. As they continue to search for answers, the family is hoping to hear from anyone who may have been in the area that evening. They are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have information about the events leading up to it to come forward. If you have information that may help, please email kiwinewsnetworkus@gmail.com . I will help connect you with JT's family so you can ...

  PLAINFIELD, IN — A felony traffic stop conducted by Plainfield Police on U.S. 40 led to the arrest of a 61-year-old man now facing a child solicitation charge. At approximately 2:30 p.m. , officers conducted a felony traffic stop near U.S. 40 and Vestal Road , where they took Leon Frederick Dobiesz into custody. Dobiesz was later booked into the Hendricks County Jail on a charge of Child Solicitation under Indiana Code 35-42-4-6(c) . Jail records show he is being held on a $25,000 cash bond. Police have not released additional details about the investigation or what led to the traffic stop. Court records related to the case were not immediately available at the time of publication. This story will be updated if additional information is released.

  AVON, IN — Residents in the Cobblestone Springs neighborhood were instructed to shelter in place Wednesday morning after a gas main was ruptured, prompting a large emergency response. The Avon Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 10:22 a.m. to the 7000 block of Cobblesprings Dr. after a gas main rupture was reported. When firefighters arrived, they located an active break involving a 3 inch natural gas line . As crews assessed the situation, firefighters began going door to door notifying residents to shelter in place while the leak is brought under control. Utility companies also responded to the scene and are working alongside emergency crews. Power is being shut off to the neighborhood as part of the effort to safely isolate the damaged gas line and allow repairs to be made. Emergency personnel remain on scene as crews work to stop the leak and secure the area. The shelter in place remains in effect for residents within the affected neighborhood while the in...

  PLAINFIELD, IN — A driver was extricated from a vehicle and transported to the hospital after a single vehicle crash Tuesday evening at the intersection of Reeves Road and Perry Road in Plainfield. The crash was reported at approximately 8:22 p.m. Plainfield Police and Plainfield Fire Territory crews responded to the scene and found the driver trapped inside the vehicle. Due to the severity of the incident, additional firefighters from the Decatur Township Fire Department were dispatched to assist with the extrication. After the driver was safely removed from the vehicle, they were transported to the hospital. The extent of the driver's injuries has not been released.

  BROWNSBURG, IN — A motorcyclist was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after leading Brownsburg Police on a short pursuit through a neighborhood before crashing and attempting to flee on foot. The incident began just before 1:30 p.m. when the rider fled from officers, leading police on a brief chase through a residential area. The pursuit came to an end near the intersection of N. Grant St. and E. 56th St. , where the motorcyclist crashed. Following the crash, the suspect attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended after officers deployed a Taser. The individual was then taken into custody without further incident. The Brownsburg Fire Department responded to the scene to evaluate the suspect for injuries following the crash and arrest.

  Plainfield, IN — A semi truck brought down multiple power poles Monday evening on Kain Street just off Avon Avenue, causing damage to at least six homes. The crash left several utility poles snapped or leaning across the area, with wires stretched across the roadway and nearby properties. The semi remained at the scene as the damage was being assessed. At least six homes sustained damage as a result of the incident. 

DANVILLE, IN — Westbound US 36 was closed Monday afternoon near the Danville Police Department at College Hill after an oversized commercial vehicle hauling a load weighing more than 310,000 pounds became disabled in the roadway. According to the Danville Police Department, the semi suffered a mechanical failure involving a broken component, leaving it unable to move. Because of the size and weight of the load, the truck could not be removed using a standard tow truck, prompting the response of a specialized heavy duty towing and recovery company. Recovery crews arrived on scene during the afternoon and worked to develop a plan to move the semi and its load to a safe location off the roadway. Police said that once the truck was successfully relocated, US 36 would fully reopen to traffic. During the closure, eastbound US 36 remained open while westbound traffic was diverted through Ellis Park via Leedy Drive to East Columbia Street, then north on North Tennessee Street before return...