Kiwi News Network

  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, 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.

  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: