Spencer County: Early this morning the Indiana State Police responded to a one vehicle crash in Santa Claus that injured four people. 

Preliminary investigation reveals that at approximately 1:55 CDT this morning Trooper Jason Dunsworth and members of the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office responded to Melchoir Drive in Santa Claus for the report of a crash with injuries. During the investigation, it was determined that James L. Warren, 19, Santa Claus was driving a 2008 Ford Focus north on Melchoir Dr. at a high rate of speed. The Focus topped a hill just before a curve, and Warren was unable to control his vehicle through the curve. Warren over-corrected and lost control sliding off the road to the east striking a tree. 

Futher investigation revealed that Warren was legally intoxicated with a preliminary BAC of .10%. Due to his injuries he was not jailed however he was charged with Operating While Intoxicated causing serious bodily injury and minor consuming. 

All four occupants were injured in the crash with non life-threatening injuries. 

The 2008 Ford sustained significant damage. 

Injured: 
James L. Warren, 19 
831 W Donder Lane, Santa Claus 
(Taken to St. Mary’s in Evansville) 

Stephen J. Dellamorta, 21 
533 W. Melchoir Dr. N, Santa Claus 
(Taken to St. Mary’s in Evansville) 

Tiffany M. Wiscaver, 22 
226 E. Brown Street, Santa Claus 
(Taken to Jasper Memorial) 

Zachariah D. Lahee, 22 
226 E. Brown Street, Santa Claus 
(Taken to Jasper Memorial) 


SOURCE: Indiana State Police - Nixle

WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is advising motorists there will be temporary lane restrictions on State Road 68 and State Road 161 in Warrick and Spencer counties.

Beginning on or after Wednesday, May 1, INDOT maintenance crews will begin a pavement preservation process by chip sealing along S.R. 68 from State Road 161 south (Tennyson) to Old U.S. 231 in Dale.   Once this stretch is complete, crews will then move the operation to S.R. 161 from S.R. 66 to S.R. 62.  It is anticipated work will begin at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time and be complete by 5:00 p.m. each day with all work being completed Friday, May 24, weather permitting. 

The chip-seal process consists of distributing a liquid asphalt emulsion on the roadway and covering the liquid asphalt with crushed stone to provide a new wearing surface. Chip-sealing extends the life of a roadway by protecting it from moisture, ultra-violet degradation and any other exposures that could damage a roadway.  Of the pavement preservation methods employed by the state, chip sealing is perhaps the most cost effective.  Studies show that every $1 invested in chip seal operations saves $10 in road repairs. 

The fog seal is being applied on top of the chip-seal work. The fog seal is a light application of asphalt material that can lock in loose stone and help with dust problems. It also makes the road black, which makes pavement markings more visible.

Drivers should exercise extreme caution during the construction of these projects. Loose stone will be present on the roadway during the initial cure of the asphalt and can damage windshields and paint on vehicles following each other too closely. It is recommended when travelling on a recently chip-sealed road to slow down and allow additional space between vehicles.

INDOT reminds motorists to drive slowly through the moving work zones—1) as a matter of safety, and 2) to avoid problems with “road tar” and loose aggregate.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.org

DALE, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is announcing that State Road 62 (S.R. 62) will be closing to repair a railroad crossing on the east side of Dale.  

On Monday, April 29, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time, railroad crews will close S.R. 62 from the junction of Old U.S. Route 231 to the junction of State Road 162 (S.R. 162). Crews will be making repairs to the crossing at the intersection of S.R. 62 and S.R. 245.  All work is scheduled to be complete by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, weather permitting.

The official detour will route traffic on Old U.S. 231, New U.S. 231 and S.R. 162. 

INDOT encourages motorists to slow down and pay special attention while traveling in work zones throughout Indiana.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot and www.trafficwise.in.gov

GENTRYVILLE, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is announcing that Old U.S. Route 231 will be closing to repair a railroad crossing south of Gentryville.  

On Monday, April 29, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time, railroad crews will close Old U.S. 231 from the junction of State Road 162 (S.R. 162) to the junction of State Road 70 (S.R. 70). Crews will be making repairs to the crossing 0.75 miles south of S.R. 162.  All work is scheduled to be complete by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, weather permitting. 

The official detour will route traffic on S.R. 70, new U.S. 231 and S.R. 162. 

INDOT encourages motorists to slow down and pay special attention while traveling in work zones throughout Indiana.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot and www.trafficwise.in.gov

DALE, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is advising motorists there will be temporary lane restrictions on Interstate 64 (I-64) in Warrick, Spencer and Dubois counties.     

Beginning Wednesday, April 10, INDOT crews will be performing maintenance work on I-64 from State Road 61 (Exit 39) to State Road 162 (Exit 63).  Work will continue through Friday, April 12.  It is anticipated all work will begin at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time and be complete by 4:00 p.m. each day, weather permitting.  All lanes of I-64 in both directions will be affected during this time. 

INDOT reminds motorists to follow the posted work zone speed limit, use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.in.gov 


SOURCE: Indiana Department of Transportation

Dubois County: Last night at approximately 6:30 Trooper Daniel Smith attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2011 Silver Chevrolet Camaro when the driver failed to stop. 

Preliminary investigation reveals that Trooper Smith was patrolling SR 161 near CR 650 S when he observed the 2011 Camaro driven by Michael P. Lindsey, 27, Dale traveling 65 mph in a 55 mph zone. When Trooper Smith turned around to stop Lindsey he accelerated and failed to stop. The pursuit went approximately seven miles south on SR 161 reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph. The pursuit ended when Lindsey decided to stop near the intersection of SR 161 and SR 68 in northern Warrick County. 

During the investigation Lindsey was found to be under the influence of and in possession of marijuana. Lindsey was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Dubois County Jail. 

Arrested and Charges: 
Michael P. Lindsey, 27 
8044 E State Road, Dale, IN 47523 
1. Resisting Law Enforcement, D-Felony 
2. Operating While Intoxicated (controlled substance and prior conviction), D-Felony 
3. Possession of Marijuana, A-Misdemeanor 
4. Possession of Paraphernalia, A-Misdemeanor 
5. Reckless Driving, B-Misdemeanor


SOURCE: Indiana State Police - Nixle

DALE, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is advising motorists there will be temporary lane restrictions on Interstate 64 (I-64) in Warrick and Spencer counties.    

Beginning Wednesday, January 9, INDOT crews will be performing maintenance work on I-64 from State Road 61 (Exit 39) to State Road 162 (Exit 63).  Work will continue through Friday, January 11.  It is anticipated all work will begin at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time and be complete by 4:00 p.m. each day, weather permitting.  All lanes of I-64 in each direction will be affected during this time. 

INDOT reminds motorists to follow the posted work zone speed limit, use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.in.gov 

UPDATED -  3:45 p.m. December 30th
Spencer County: At approximately 3:00 CST this afternoon Carrie J. Black, 21, and Randy R. Black, 22 of Tell City turned themselves in at the Dale Police Department. They also had Jacob who was safe and sound. 

Jacob will be turned over to the Child Protection Services.  Carrie and Randy are both being arrested and transported to the Spencer County Jail. The 1997 Toyota and credit cards were also returned. 

Arrested and Charges: 
Carrie J. Black, 21 
1427 10th Street, Tell City, IN 
1. Theft (2 counts), Class D-Felony 
2. Interference with Custody-Class D-Felony 

Randy R. Black, 22 
1427 10th Street, Tell City, IN 
1. Theft- Class D-Felony 
2. Interference with Custody-Class D-Felony 


ORIGINAL POST
Spencer County:  Police are searching for Jacob Alexander Black, 2 weeks old, after he was taken from his legal guardian’s by his biological mother. 

Yesterday at approximately 1:30 p.m. CST the Santa Claus Police Department responded to 884 W. Shepherd’s Lane, Santa Claus for the report of a possible child abduction and stolen vehicle. After taking the initial information Santa Claus Police called for assistance from the Indiana State Police. 

Preliminary investigation reveals that Jacob’s biological mother, Carrie J. Black, 21, Tell City had gone to her parents, the legal guardians of Jacob, for a supervised visit. During the visit Carrie was left alone in part of the house with Jacob. While being left alone, Carrie took Jacob, some of her parent’s credit cards and their tan 1997 Toyota Camry four door and left the area. 

Since leaving her parents house, Carrie, Jacob and Jacob’s father, Randy R. Black, 22, Tell City, were last seen in the Owensboro, KY Wal-Mart on State Route 54 at approximately 4:11 p.m. CST last night. 

The 1997 tan Toyota Camry is described as having silver tape on the passenger side window and the wheel covers missing on the passenger’s side. The vehicle’s registration plate is IN, 589BCW. 

Jacob is not believed to be in immediate danger, but needs to be returned to his legal guardians. Included with the release is a photograph of Jacob and his parents Carrie and Randy. Even though Randy was not present when Carrie took Jacob from her parents, due to the sighting mentioned above at Wal-Mart investigators believe that all three are together. 

Police believe the Black’s are still in the area however they could possibly be traveling to Lagrange, GA where Randy has family. 

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Jasper Post at 812-482-1441 or if calling from within the state 1-800-742-7475. 


SOURCE: Indiana State Police - Jasper

Spencer County:  A Dale man was arrested this afternoon after warrants were issued for his arrest for his involvement in the battery of his son. 

On July 8, 2012 the Spencer County Department of Child Services (DCS) contacted the Indiana State Police for assistance with a criminal case involving a then four month old child. The investigation reveals that the four month old boy was taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital on July 8, for treatment of upper body injuries that were consistent with being battered and/or strangled or suffocated. 

Through the investigation, investigators were able to establish enough probable cause for arrest warrants to be issued for Derrick S. Lee, 23, Dale. Derrick was taken into custody this afternoon and transported to the Spencer County Jail without incident. 

During the course of this investigation the child was removed from the residence and still remains with other family members. 

Arrested and Charges: 
Derrick Scott Lee, 23 
204 W. Hammond Street, Dale, IN 
1. Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Child under the age of 14, Class B-Felony 
2. Aggravated Battery, Class B-Felony 
3. Strangulation, Class D-Felony 


SOURCE:  Indiana State Police

Spencer County:  Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators were called to the Stones Motel in Dale Thursday afternoon after the father of a six month old found the baby unresponsive. 

Initial investigation reveals that the mother Sheena Ransom, 28, Dale, the father Jorge Candelaria, 32, Dale and their six month old boy, had all been sleeping in the same bed. Sheena woke up and got out of bed to shower, shortly thereafter Jorge noticed that the boy was unresponsive. 911 was called and emergency personnel responded however the six month old boy was dead. 

The Spencer County Coroner’s Office has identified the boy as Emilio Candelaria, 6 months old from Dale. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow Friday afternoon in Dale at the Fuller Funeral Home. The cause of death is not known at this time. 

First Sergeant Robert Priest said, “We are treating this as a death investigation at this time. Once all the evidence including the results from the autopsy is in, our case will be forwarded to the Spencer County Prosecutor’s Office for their review which is standard procedure in cases like this.” 

The motel room that this occurred in was room #12 and had been the residence of the family for several weeks. 

Deceased (Family Notified): 
Emilio Candelaria, 6 months old 


SOURCE: Indiana State Police