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Hendricks County Animal Shelter Waives Dog Adoption Fees as Kennels Reach Capacity

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DANVILLE, Ind. — The Hendricks County Animal Shelter is currently facing an overwhelming influx of animals. With kennels rapidly filling to maximum capacity, shelter staff are working around the clock to ensure every dog receives the care they deserve. To create much-needed space and help more dogs in need, the shelter has announced an emergency adoption event: all dog adoption fees are completely waived from today through Saturday, July 11th. While the fee waiver applies to all eligible dogs in the facility, shelter workers have issued a heartfelt, urgent plea for two specific residents who have stolen their hearts but have spent far too long behind kennel bars. Meet Tig and Angel, the shelter’s two longest-term residents. Meet Tig: 286 Days of Waiting Look at that incredible, goofy smile! Tig has spent a staggering 286 days living at the shelter. Tig is a strikingly handsome white and brindle pup with a unique coat pattern and an even more unique personality. Known by staf...

County Road 100 S Closed Following Crash Involving Multiple Injuries

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  Avon, IN — County Road 100 S is closed between Raceway Rd and County Road 1050 E following a crash involving multiple injuries. Three medics were dispatched to the scene. Avon Fire, Avon Police, and the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office are currently on scene handling the accident.

More Details Released Following Tragic Passing of Pittsboro Factory Worker

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  PITTSBORO, Ind . — More details have emerged following the tragic passing of a worker at a local manufacturing facility on Friday, July 3. Timothy Wayne "Tim" Simpson, 54, passed away after being transported from the Steel Dynamics Inc. facility located at 8000 N CR 225 E to Hendricks Regional Health Brownsburg. Initial statements from the Hendricks County Coroner's Office indicated the incident was a suspected work-related heat death, noting that extreme environmental conditions potentially played a factor. Officials noted that a forensic autopsy would be required to officially determine the final cause of death and check for any contributing medical conditions. Simpson was a proud United States Army veteran who spent years working as a steelworker. Raised in a hardworking agricultural family, he spent his life balancing his career while prioritizing his wife, Mary "Mini" Simpson, and his two children, Collin and Jaimee. Those close to him recall that h...

GoFundMe Launched for Family of JT Brill Following Fatal Avon Motorcycle Accident

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  AVON, IN — With permission from the family of JT Brill, an update is being shared regarding Wednesday night’s serious motorcycle accident at the intersection of Dan Jones Road and County Road 200 N. The accident, which occurred just before 9:30 PM on July 1, tragically took his life. JT was just 23 years old and is being remembered by those who knew him as having a sweet soul and a genuine heart, always willing to drop everything to help anyone in need. An official GoFundMe has been shared to help ease the unexpected financial burdens and funeral costs facing his family during this unimaginably difficult time. Readers who wish to support the family through a donation or by sharing the fundraiser page can find the official link below. Support Link:   https://gofund.me/5f6602cd3

Plainfield Police Rescue Distressed Dog From Hot Vehicle At Local Walmart

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  PLAINFIELD, IN — A quick-thinking Plainfield Police officer saved a dog from potentially fatal conditions this afternoon after it was left locked inside a hot vehicle in a retail parking lot. Emergency dispatchers received a call at 4:13 PM regarding a dog trapped inside a vehicle parked at the Walmart located at 2373 E Main St. Upon arriving at the scene, the responding officer discovered the animal showing clear signs of heat distress. According to witnesses at the scene, the situation had become desperate, noting visible claw marks left on the interior of the vehicle where the dog had been frantically trying to escape the rising temperatures. The officer was able to successfully breach the vehicle, remove the dog from the sweltering cabin, and safely transport it to a cool environment. Thanks to the rapid intervention, the dog was successfully rescued from the dangerous situation. Local authorities have not yet released information regarding whether the owner of the vehicle w...

Delta Flight Diverted to Indianapolis After Reported Lightning Strike

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  INDIANAPOLIS — A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Atlanta was forced to make an emergency landing at Indianapolis International Airport on Friday evening following a reported lightning strike. Emergency Response Staged at Runway A Delta Boeing 737 900(ER) departed from Chicago and was inbound to Atlanta when it diverted and made an emergency landing in Indianapolis. As the aircraft approached the airport, emergency personnel were placed on high alert. Indianapolis Airport Fire, Decatur Township Fire and Plainfield Fire were all dispatched to stage near the runway ahead of the arrival. Safe Landing and Inspection The aircraft landed just a little bit after 5:38pm safely on runway 23L. No injuries have been reported, and all passengers evacuated the plane without incident. Fire crews immediately began inspecting the aircraft. According to initial reports from the scene, crews are reporting damage to one of the wings was reportedly caused by a lightning strike. Fire crews later rep...

Serious Motorcycle Crash in Avon at Dan Jones Rd and County Road 200 N

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  AVON, Ind. — A serious motorcycle crash occurred Wednesday night at the intersection of Dan Jones Road and County Road 200 North in Avon. The Avon Fire Department and Avon Police Department responded to the intersection just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday . County Road 200 North was shut down between Dan Jones Road and Charles Street while emergency crews were on scene. Avon Police remained at the location for several hours conducting a crash reconstruction investigation before the roadway was reopened. I have reached out to Avon Police for additional information and will provide updates as they become available.

3 Felony Charges Filed After Overnight Plainfield Police Incident

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PLAINFIELD, IN — A reported road rage incident involving a firearm prompted Plainfield Police to conduct a felony traffic stop early Wednesday morning. At approximately 12:27 a.m. on July 1, a 911 caller reported that the driver of a silver Dodge Charger pointed a firearm at them during the incident near Stafford Road and State Road 267 in Plainfield. Plainfield Police located the vehicle a short time later and conducted a felony traffic stop. Officers detained the occupants while they investigated the report. Hendricks County Jail records show Jordan Aaron Lomax was booked into the Hendricks County Jail early Wednesday morning on preliminary charges of Level 5 Felony Intimidation, Level 6 Felony Pointing a Firearm, and Level 6 Felony Dealing in Marijuana.

Reported Home Invasion in Danville Determined to Be Teen Prank After Police Investigation

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  Danville, IN — A large police response late Tuesday night in the Penrose neighborhood was ultimately determined to be the result of a prank rather than an attempted home invasion. At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, the Danville Police Department responded to a report of a possible home invasion in progress on Bedford Drive. Based on the initial information received, officers responded with urgency and residents reported seeing the entire Penrose neighborhood temporarily blocked off as police searched for possible suspects. According to neighbors, officers remained in the area for roughly two hours and used department drones while searching the neighborhood. Following the response, investigators reviewed neighborhood doorbell camera footage to determine what had occurred. According to the Danville Police Department, the investigation found that no burglary had taken place and no one entered any homes. Police say the footage showed what appeared to be a masked teenag...

Violent Marion County Felon Booked on Meth Dealing Charges in Hendricks County

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  PLAINFIELD, IN — A 38-year-old Marion County man with a lengthy history of violent felony offenses is back behind bars in Hendricks County today . The arrest follows an enforcement stop by the Plainfield Police Department . Christopher E. Patterson was taken into custody and booked into the Hendricks County Jail on multiple high-level felony charges, including dealing methamphetamine . Court and jail booking records confirm that Patterson is currently being held under a strict "no bail" order as he awaits his initial hearing . Patterson's extensive interactions with the Indiana criminal justice system span nearly two decades, characterized by heavy sentences for violent crimes followed by early state prison releases . According to official Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) tracking profiles, Patterson was originally convicted in Marion County in 2008 for a count of Class A Felony Robbery resulting in serious bodily injury . A judge handed him a 30-year priso...

Brownsburg Police Arrest Man on Multiple Felony Charges After Incident at Local Restaurant

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Brownsburg, IN — A confrontation yesterday at a local restaurant ended with a man facing multiple criminal charges in Hendricks County, including two high-level felonies. The incident began at Don Julio’s in Brownsburg, where a customer reportedly refused to pay their bill. The Brownsburg Police Department responded to the scene and ultimately took 41-year-old James Justin Devault into custody. After police arrived, the suspect allegedly battered a public safety official and went as far as attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer during the encounter. Devault faces felony counts of Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer and Battery Against a Public Safety Official, alongside misdemeanor counts of Resisting Law Enforcement, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Intoxication. He is currently being held in the Hendricks County Jail without bail.

TSA Officers Intercept Live Smoke Grenades Hidden in Peanut Butter at Indianapolis Airport

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  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 Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Residential Fire on Meadow Glen Drive

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  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.

Town of Avon Employee Seriously Injured After Being Struck by Vehicle

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  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...

Vehicle Accident Triggers Major Water Main Break on E County Road 100 S

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  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.

Man Sentenced to 3 Years Following Conviction for Threats, Intimidation in North Salem Case

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  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...

Hendricks County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

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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...

Preventing Wandering Tragedies: How Project Lifesaver Protects Hendricks County Families

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  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 Public Safety Day Brings Community Together

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  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.

Why Work Has Slowed at the 10th Street and Raceway Road Roundabout

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 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...