Kiwi News Network

 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 .

 A single‑vehicle crash occurred earlier Monday at the intersection of Raceway Road and County Road 100 S in Avon. The incident was initially dispatched as a possible entrapment after reports indicated the vehicle was on its side. First responders determined that the occupant was able to exit the vehicle on their own before crews arrived. Emergency personnel evaluated the scene and checked for any injuries while assessing the vehicle’s position. Authorities did not immediately release information regarding the driver’s condition or what may have contributed to the crash. Additional details may be released by law enforcement or emergency officials as the investigation continues.

Photo Credit: Alicia Kelly Brownsburg emergency crews responded early Sunday morning to a significant incident at E Main St & N CR 550 E, where Medic 134 was involved in a traffic accident and ultimately crashed into a creek. The call was dispatched at 5:12 a.m. According to initial radio traffic, the medic unit left the roadway following the collision and came to rest in the creek bed. The crew became trapped inside the unit. Multiple Brownsburg Fire units, along with additional support agencies, were sent to the scene. Despite the difficult conditions, responders were able to reach the occupants safely. Officials confirmed that the crew was successfully extracted without injury. The medic unit sustained significant damage, and the cause of the initial traffic accident remains under review.

 INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — IMPD has arrested Elvis Holtsclaw in connection with the stabbing that occurred on January 8 at the GetGo located near Rockville Road and Country Club Road on the city’s westside. According to investigators, the incident began following a confrontation at a nearby homeless encampment. During that confrontation, Holtsclaw allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Holtsclaw was located the following day in the same area and taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Marion County Jail on January 9 on a preliminary charge of Felony Battery with a Deadly Weapon, along with additional misdemeanor drug‑related charges. He is scheduled to appear in Marion County Court on January 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

 A stabbing was reported late Thursday night at the GetGo located at County Road and Rockville Road. The incident was dispatched at 10:36 p.m., prompting a large response from first responders. Upon arrival, units reported that a person had been stabbed in the chest. No additional confirmed details about the victim’s condition or the circumstances leading up to the incident have been released at this time. Following the initial response, we conducted a live stream covering the manhunt that unfolded in the surrounding area as officers searched for a possible suspect. Despite the extensive search, we did not personally witness anyone being taken into custody. We are currently awaiting an official statement from IMPD regarding the outcome of the search and any confirmed suspect information. This article will be updated as soon as verified details are provided.

 Early this evening, Hendricks County law enforcement responded to a rapid series of hit‑and‑run crashes, with three separate incidents reported within a two‑hour window. The first crash occurred in Plainfield near the Chick‑fil‑A at approximately 5:48 PM. No injuries were reported, and the incident involved property damage only. A second, unrelated hit‑and‑run was reported at 6:55 PM near the McDonald’s on Cambridge Way, also in Plainfield. Like the first, this crash resulted in property damage but no injuries. Then, just about a half hour later at 7:25 PM, another hit‑and‑run was reported in Avon at Dan Jones Rd & County Road 100 N. This incident also appears to involve property damage only. At this time, no suspects have been located or detained in connection with any of the three crashes. The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office is investigating all incidents. Kiwi News Network will continue to monitor updates as they become available.

 INDIANAPOLIS — Early evening today, fire crews responded to a structure fire at the FedEx hub located on the grounds of Indianapolis International Airport. The incident drew a significant emergency presence as firefighters worked to assess and contain the situation within the facility. Upon arrival in the area, it was clear that airport and FedEx operations were being actively managed by on‑scene personnel. Police presence was visible throughout the surrounding roadway network, and officers did not want me remaining in the immediate vicinity of the response. With no public parking available near the hub other than private property, access to the scene was extremely limited. Because of these restrictions, I was unable to gather additional details or obtain on‑scene photos or video. The only footage available from this incident is a brief dashcam clip recorded while leaving the area. No official information regarding the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage, or any operationa...