All posts by Kevin Kelley

Arrest Made in Pharmacy Burglary

Columbus Police Department (CPD) detectives arrested Brent D. Mullis of Columbus, in the burglary of a Columbus pharmacy that occurred on May 31st. CPD officers were initially dispatched to the Centerstone Pharmacy located at 720 N. Marr Road and were advised that medication and an undisclosed amount of money were stolen from the building.

During the investigation, detectives obtained security camera footage, which was shared with the public via local news outlets as well as social media. Following up on tips and information received from the public, officers made contact with Mullis on Wednesday.

A search warrant was executed in regards to the investigation and the suspect was taken into custody a short time later.

Mullis was taken to the Bartholomew County Jail and charged with burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.

He remains incarcerated on a 48-hour hold as the investigation continues.

COVID-19 Task Force Shows Cases and Hospitalizations Up

The Columbus/Bartholomew County COVID-19 Community Task Force released its latest COVID-19 numbers, showing a steady number of cases and an increase in hospitalizations.

Based upon data last collected on May 25th, there was an average of 16 new positive cases per day, slightly up from the previous week’s average of 14.

Columbus Regional Health’s COVID-19 hospitalizations were at an average of eight total patients, as compared to the previous week’s average of 4 patients.

For more on the Columbus/Bartholomew County COVID-19 Community Task Force, visit their website.

Overdose Cases in North Vernon

The North Vernon Police Department has been called to three overdose cases over a three-day period.

The first two occurred early Sunday, at about 11:45 a.m.

When officers arrived they administered Narcan to both people prior to paramedics getting there.

One person was revived and paramedics began advanced life-saving procedures on the second person, who was transported to a hospital.

The second individual never recovered and was pronounced deceased.

The third overdose incident happened early Tuesday. Officers responded to a 911 call of a person not breathing in the bedroom of a residence. Officers arrived to assist paramedics, where Narcan was administered. The person was transported to the hospital and their condition later improved.

Post-event interviews revealed drug use was apparently involved in both events and in at least one, the person involved believed they were using meth and not an opiate-based drug.

North Vernon PD says all three situations are still being investigated at this time.

-0-

Florida Man Killed in Two Car Accident

A Florida man was killed and two were injured in a two-car accident in Shelby County on Sunday.

Robert J. Gladfelter, of Orlando, Florida, died in the crash at the intersection of Old State Road 252 and State Road 9, says the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Gladfelter was a passenger in a car driven by Michael Gladfelter, of Knightstown. The vehicle was struck by a minivan driven by Tacaria Brotherton, of Union City.

She was injured and taken to Major Hospital in Shelbyville by medics.

Michael Gladfelter was flown by Lifeline helicopter to IU Health Methodist Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Preliminary evidence indicates that the car driven by Gladfelter failed to stop at the stop sign on Old S.R. 252 and was struck by the minivan that was southbound on S.R. 9.

Two Adults and Pets Saved in Wednesday Morning Apartment Fire

Columbus Firefighters saved two adults and several pets who were trapped in a second floor apartment fire Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were called to an apartment complex in the 800 block of Reed Street.

Firefighters at the scene say a man and a woman were trapped in an upstairs apartment because the only exit was blocked by the fire. A ladder was used to help the two escape from a window. Neither of them were injured.

While extinguishing the fire, firefighters found 3 adult cats and 5 kittens inside. . Each pet was removed from the apartment, received oxygen therapy, and reunited with the owners. All are doing well.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

I-65/I-70 North Split Update

Over a year ago, the I-65/I-70 North Split closed so that it could be completely redesigned.

INDOT says in a recent update that the interchange is scheduled to reopen by the end of 2022 with some work continuing into spring 2023.

Once the North Split reconstruction is complete, project area improvements will include:

223 new lighting elements, including 12 high-mast tower lights

Over 12,000 linear feet of new sidewalks/trails

More than 4,500 trees

Over 5,000 shrubs

JCBank Concert Series Set to Begin

The JCBank Summer Concert Series, formerly called NeighborFest, featuring The Jackson Way, kicks off tomorrow, June 2nd, in downtown Columbus.

The fun, food, and music will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 4th and Washington St., and attendees are invited to bring their chairs and enjoy an evening of live entertainment.

KidsCommons will be offering kids’ activities and food will be available for purchase from Savory Swine.

State Road 135 to Close in Johnson County

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor HIS Constructors plans to close State Road 135, north of Trafalgar in Johnson County to complete a structure replacement project. The structure is located 1.23 miles north of State Road 252 and will close for up to 60 days on or after Wednesday, June 1st.

Traffic will be rerouted along the detour which follows State Road 252, US 31, State Road 144, and State Road 44. Local access will be maintained up to the point of closure.

The $2 million contract was awarded in January and also includes a bridge replacement project on S.R. 252 at West Fork Crooked Creek in Morgan County.

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling through active construction zones.

Suspect Search for Pharmacy Burglary

CPD detectives are seeking information on the identity of a person who is a suspect in the burglary of the Centerstone Pharmacy on Marr Road which occurred early Tuesday.

Footage of the suspect can be found on the Columbus Police Department Facebook page.

Those who recognize the person pictured or have any information in regards to this case can submit anonymous tips to CPD by calling 812-376-2600.

Seymour Interim Police Chief Named

Seymour Police Department Capt. Troy Munson was named interim police chief by Mayor Matt Nicholson at Thursday’s Seymour Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Current Chief Bryant Lucas is leaving to take a position with Indiana University Health. His last day is June 4th. Munson will fill in until a permanent police chief is hired.

Applications for the position may be submitted at Seymour City Hall, 301-309 N. Chestnut St. The deadline for applying is Friday, June 3rd.