By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

​PUTNAMVILLE— Officials say winter weather conditions across the area crontributed to many overnight crashes.  

Emergency crews responded to several crashes related to the fresh snowfall and icy roadways from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. along Interstate 70 in Vigo and Clay counties.

"The incidents were the result of vehicles and tractor-trailers traveling too fast for conditions and leaving the roadway striking objects or jackknifing,"  Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts explained, noting that the injuries reported were not life-threatening.

ISP responded to a total of two personal injury crashes, 10 property damage crashes and 15 slide-offs and  four calls to assist stranded motorists in Clay and Vigo Counteis.

Crews also were dispatched to a one-vehicle rollover crash involvlng three Riverton Parke High School in Parke County just after 8 a.m. Watts said the teen driver had lost control on the icy roadway as he attempted a left curve.

Jacob M. Collom of Mecca, 18, was southbound on US 41 in  a blue 2001 Ford Ranger pick-up when he lost control of the vehicle. His passengers,  Declan Griffin, 17,  Jonetta Overstreet, 16, were transported to an area hospital where they were treated  for complaints of pain. 

Parke County Sheriff’s Office, Mecca and Lyford Fire/Rescue Departments and Parke County EMS assisted at the scene.
 

​By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

SULLIVAN COUNTY  -  Two suspects were booked into the Sullivan County Jail on drug-related charges following a routine traffic stop near Pleasantville Friday afternoon.

• The driver, Adam Decoursey, 33, of Edwardport,  is charged with: Possession of methamphetamine - level 6 felony; possession marijuana - B misdemeanor;  driving while suspended prior - A misdemeanor; three  counts possession of a syringe - Level 6 felony; carrying handgun w/o a license - A misdemeanor;  and possession of paraphernalia - C misdemeanor.
• Decoursey's passenger, Jessica Nelson, 26, of Bloomfield,  faces charges of: Possession of methamphetamine - Level 6 felony; possession marijuana - B misdemeanor; possession of syringe - level 6 felony;  and possession of paraphernalia - C misdemeanor.

Sullivan County Sheriff Clark Cottom explained that  Lt. William  Snead detected possible indicators of criminal activity during the traffic stop, which led to a subsequent search of the pick-up truck on S.R. 159 at about 3:30 p.m.

"Found inside the vehicle was methamphetamine, marijuana, syringes, digital  scales, pipes  and other drug paraphernalia, along with a 45 cal. semi automatic handgun," Cottom said.

Indiana State Police Trooper Brent Robinson assisted the Sheriff's Office with the investigation.