On Monday, August 26th , 2024, at approximately 6:21 p.m., KAMEG Agents, assisted by the Kankakee City Police Department, arrested Vincent D. Ellis JR, age 34, Bradley, IL, following an ongoing narcotics investigation and search warrant at his residence, 503 North Forest Avenue Apt. #1, Bradley. The investigation concluded following Ellis distributing approximately 156 grams of suspected cocaine over a three-month period. The search warrant execution resulted in the seizure of approximately 52 grams of suspect cocaine, a Glock handgun with an extended capacity magazine, and United States Currency. 2 vehicles were also seized in conjunction with the investigation. Ellis has been initially charged with the following: 6 counts of Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Cocaine), and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Ellis was transported to and detained at the Jerome Combs Detention Center (Kankakee County).

Police were called to the 700 block of W Walnut Street for a person that was run over at 10:26 pm. Jackson, Christian D., 21 of Stockland was arrested for Aggravated Battery, Obstruction, No Valid Drivers License, Aggravated Reckless Driving, and Motor Vehicle Crash Involving Personal Injuries. Jackson was transported to jail without incident.

 

Police conducted a warrant check in the 200 block of W Walnut Street at 2:59 am. Rose, Bradley D., 42, of Watseka was arrested for an outstanding Iroquois County Warrant. Rose was transported to jail without incident.

 

Newton County Sheriff’s Office (8-13-24  9:50 PM)

 

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:36 AM, Newton County 9-1-1 received reports of a two vehicle crash on CR 50 E at CR 1550 S (1/2 mile north of the stone quarry on what is known as the South Newton School Road)

 

According to witness statements and the preliminary investigation; a 2018 Ford passenger vehicle (driven by Wayne Heminger, 73 year old Goodland, IN man) was west bound on CR 1550 S, failed to yield to a south bound semi tractor/trailer (driven by Blaine Tonner,  21 year old Hartford City, IN man)

 

The impact caused the semi to go off the roadway where it overturned and resulted in a fire that engulfed the semi tractor.

 

The driver of the semi was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the passenger car was transported to a local hospital where he died as the result of his injuries.

 

The roadway remained closed for approximately 8 hours to allow for crash reconstruction and clean up. 

 

Due to the nature of the crash, sand has been placed on the roadway.  Drivers are asked to slow down and use caution when traveling through the intersection.

 

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our appreciation to multiple citizens that risked their own safety to do everything in their power to assist the crash victims. 

 

We would like to thank the following for providing food and water to the responders on scene: Goodland Casey’s, Newton County Jail staff, Kentland McDonalds, Kentland Fire and Mrs. LaReau.  We appreciate everyone’s efforts.

 

Assisting agencies:  Newton County Communications, Newton County EMA, Newton County EMS, Kentland Fire, Kentland Police, Newton County Prosecutor’s Investigators, Indiana State Police, Brook Fire, Goodland Fire, Newton County Jail staff,  Newton County Coroner’s Office and the Newton County Highway Dept.

-end-

Date:

August 5, 2024

Time:

10:28

Type of Incident:

Accident with roll-over

Location:

South Belmont Ave. near Legion Park

Owner:

Hicks Gas

Injuries:

1 person transported by Riverside Ambulance to Gibson City Hospital

Extent of Damage:

Damage to vehicle only, no Haz-mat release

Determined Cause:

Undetermined

Departments Involved: in addition to Watseka

Watseka PD, Iroquois County Sheriff's Office, Riverside EMS, Iroquois County EMA

Notes:

WFD responded for a single-vehicle rollover. On arrival, they found a propane truck lying on its side in the east ditch of Belmont Ave. The driver was already out of the truck and had secured all valves. Riverside EMS transported the driver, and WFD remained on the scene to monitor for leaking propane until the tow company arrived and removed the vehicle. Crews remained on the scene until approximately 1330.

 

The Watseka American Legion-Post 23 will host a Veteran Appreciation Breakfast on Wednesday, August 7^th from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM.  Military Veterans of all ages and branches are invited to enjoy a breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits with scrambled eggs and/or a colonial breakfast of donuts and sweet rolls.  Coffee and orange juice will also be served. For planning/cooking purposes, please call or text Rick Ziebart at 240-515-4216.