4th of July Firework Safety Tips From the Indiana State Police

It’s that time of the year again where everyone is looking forward to celebrating Independence Day!  Enjoying the summer weather, having a backyard BBQ, spending time with family and friends, and using fireworks are all some of the best ways to celebrate.  ISP Putnamville wants everyone to remain safe this July 4th, and safely handling fireworks is a priority.

Listed below are some safety tips that the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post would like to provide when using fireworks to celebrate this July 4th:

Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.

Never aim, point, or throw fireworks at another person.

Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.

Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Steer clear of others setting off fireworks. They can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.

Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks or firework devices.

Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.

Only light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a "dud" firework.

After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.

Be considerate of individuals with PTSD and other types of medical conditions. The noise can cause severe stress and reaction in neighbors.

Think about pets. Animals have sensitive ears and can be very frightened or stressed by fireworks sounds.

Use fireworks outdoors, never indoors. 

Become more familiar with the state fireworks laws in Indiana. Throughout the year it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., but this may be limited further by local ordinances. 

On state holidays it is legal to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight, but this may be limited further by local ordinances.

The times on the following dates are protected in Indiana for consumer use of fireworks and may not be prohibited by local ordinance:

June 29 to July 3: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset;

July 4: from 10 a.m. to midnight;

July 5 to July 9: from 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset; and

December 31: from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Fireworks can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age or older.

Fireworks use is limited to personal property, the property of someone who has approved the use of fireworks or a location designated specifically for the use of consumer fireworks. 

Please be sure to check local ordinances for any fireworks limitations that might exist in your area.

The Putnamville State Police Post hopes that these few safety tips help you enjoy your 4th of July by safely celebrating with fireworks.  

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed Following Incident With Ex-Wife

On 6/27/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christopher L. Batterton, age 47, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery and Unlawful Restraint following an alleged domestic dispute at a residence in the 400 block of North Walnut Street.  Officers arrived at the scene and found evidence that Batterton had battered his ex-wife during the argument by striking her in the face and pulling her hair to keep her from leaving the residence.  Also, during the dispute, it was alleged that Batterton attempted to slam his open pocket knife into a table; however, in doing so, his hand slipped off the handle and onto the knife blade, causing injury to the hand.  Batterton was treated by an area hospital and released.  Batterton was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged accordingly and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.

Indiana State Police Putnamville Post Investigate Pedestrian Struck on Interstate 70

Clay County -  On June 27, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and the Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded to a pedestrian being struck on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker.

A preliminary investigation by Trooper Bill Clark revealed that an individual was walking in the driving lane on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker when the individual was struck by a semi-tractor trailer.  The driver of the semi immediately pulled over and called 911, fully cooperating with the investigation.  There were no other injuries to report.

The Clay County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and recover the remains of the deceased. The name of the deceased will be released by the Clay County Coroner’s Office at a later time once a positive identification has been made and the family has been notified.  The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information to release at this time.

Assisting Agencies:  Troopers of the Putnamville State Police Post, Clay County Sheriff's Department, Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Posey Volunteer Fire Department, STAR Ambulance Service, Indiana Department of Transportation, and the Clay County Coroner's Office.   

911 call leads to arrest of impaired driver

On June 26, 2024 at approximately 8:26 p.m. the Gibson County Sheriff`s Office received a 911 call from a witness of an impaired driver that was entering Gibson County from Vanderburgh County.  The witness gave a vehicle description and plate number of the suspect vehicle.  Sgt. John Fischer, Deputy Shawn Holmes and Haubstadt Deputy Marshal Bryan Munnier located the vehicle on SR 68 near the Posey County line.  Sgt. John Fischer identified the driver as Timothy Greenfield, age 47, of Evansville. Sgt. John Fischer conducted a roadside investigation and found probable cause that Mr. Greenfield had operated a vehicle while intoxicated.  Sgt. John Fischer and Deputy Shawn Holmes transported Mr. Greenfield to Deaconess Gibson Hospital where he failed a chemical test by registering .358.  Mr. Greenfield was transported to the Gibson County Jail and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC over .15% and operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested On Drug & Weapons Charges

On 6/21/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Richard E. Stringfellow, age 49, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon following a traffic stop on Hydraulic Ave., just north of 5th Street, for committing multiple violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code while operating a gray 1987 Chevrolet truck.  During the stop, Ofc. Hopper and his K-9 Eleven responded to the scene and conducted a free air narcotics sniff around the truck.  In doing so, Eleven alerted to the presence of narcotics resulting in a search of the vehicle.  Officers discovered a towel that had two used narcotics pipes inside of it.  One of the pipes had approximately .2 grams of suspected methamphetamine inside of it. The suspected methamphetamine later field tested positive when tested.  Officers noted that Stringfellow attempted to take this towel with him when exiting the truck.  A further search of the vehicle led officers to locating a large knife with an 11-inch blade, 3 throwing hatchets and a wooden bludgeon style club. There items are unlawful for Stringfellow to possess due to his status as a convicted felon.  Stringfellow was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged accordingly and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.

Road closure planned for U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County.

Beginning on or around Saturday, July 13, crews will close southbound U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County at Ruffian Way. The eastbound I-64 ramp to southbound U.S. 41 will also be closed at this time.

This closure will allow for a pipe replacement project under U.S. 41. During routine inspection, it was discovered that the pipe under U.S. 41 needs replacement. Inspection revealed weakening to both the inlet and outlet sides of the pipe.

Alternating lane closures will occur at the intersection of Ruffian Way on or around July 11 so crews can prepare for the pipe replacement project. The full closure of the southbound lanes will begin on or around July 13.

The pipe replacement project is expected to take a week to complete. The detour for this closure is I-64 to I-69 to State Road 57 to U.S. 41. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.

Judge Offers Updates On Proposed New Pool Complex

Up until now, plans for the proposed new city pool in Mt. Carmel called for the aquatic center to be built where the current parking lot if located. But at Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge said that plan’s no longer feasible…

Judge presented the council with the final rendering of the proposed aquatic center that had a reduced price of $7,232,000. Originally, estimates placed the price tag at $8 million, but Judge said some amenities were done away with to bring the cost down. Now, Judge said city officials will continue exploring ways to pay for the project which include naming rights for the facility and grants.

The council did hear the first reading of an ordinance that would funnel the city’s share of the video gambling tax into a fund dedicated to the pool. Judge said the city averages $9,000 to $12,000 a month from the gambling tax. Presently, that money goes into the city’s general fund with the exception of $1,500 that is used for scholarships at Mt. Carmel High School.

No action was taken at Monday’s meeting on placing a pool referendum on the November ballot that Judge had brought up at the previous meeting.

Final rendering of proposed Mt. Carmel aquatic center.

Breakdown of estimated costs of new Mt. Carmel aquatic center.

Holland IN, Attempted Murder / Suicide Update

On June 20th, 2024, the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office released a public safety statement saying, A domestic situation just outside of Holland, in Dubois County, resulted in a male subject, David Williamson Jr., age 63, allegedly shooting a female victim. The victim is currently in stable condition.

On June 21st, 2024, a concerned citizen believed they saw the truck in the Sugar Ridge Wildlife area in Pike County. Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police met at the Sugar Ridge Wildlife Property. Area law enforcement attempted to locate the suspect. A short time later, officers with  Indiana State Police located the suspect’s vehicle and David Williamson was discovered deceased inside his vehicle.

On June 24th, 2024, an autopsy was conducted at Lamb-Basham Funeral Home in Oakland City. Dr. James Jacobi ruled the death a suicide.