Terre Haute Police are investigating an armed bank robbery  that occurred on the north side  yesterday afternoon.

Officers responded to the report of an armed robbery at the Fifth - Third Bank, located at 1451 Ft. Harrison Road, at about 1:30 p.m. Investigation revealed that a note was given and the male suspect, between 5-feet 6-inches tall and 5-feet 8-inches tall, is believed to be armed with a handgun.

THPD Assistant Chief Shawn Keen explained this morning that officers were provided a description of the suspect when they arrived at the scene, and instructed the suspect had fled on foot to the west.  Officers began an immediate track with K-9, and established a perimeter. 

The THPD has released photos of the suspect.

"Due to the appearance of an unnatural hairline, viewers should consider the possibility that the male may normally have a full head of hair or one cut or shaved very closely. The glasses may also be an addition to alter his appearance," Keen said.

No information on amount of money has been disclosed, as the investigation is underway. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Officials believe the suspect possibly had a vehicle in the area near 15th Street and Lee Avenue. Interviews with bank employees and a neighborhood canvas were conducted.  

Anyone with information related to the robbery or identity of this male is asked to contact the Terre Haute Police Department. The investigation is being handled by members of the White Collar Unit.

​By Lucy Perry

City Engineering Department Chief Planner Pat Martin updated the Terre Haute Board of Public Works and Safety on plans for the second phase of the First Street former CSX railroad track site project, alerting the board to possible site contamination during the meeting this afternoon.

The rails have been removed and now the city wants to enhance the property by constructing a tree-planted median boulevard in its place, spanning around 6,500 feet. Before that can happen, environmental testing is necessary.

“We will be testing for what I call 'everything,' given the fact that this line was in operation from 1871 until a few years ago-- 144 years of contamination,” Martin said.

Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) has submitted a proposal to conduct a phase two Environmental Site Assessment on the property of the  abandoned rail line, which extends from First Street and progresses in a southward direction to Cruft Street.

Transforming the area into a serene treeline comes with some repercussions, including conducting soil samples at at least 20 locations due to long term nearby chemical exposure.

“The probability of contamination is very high,” Martin said.

The testing will begin Monday.

Some of the industrial and commercial properties throughout time include fuel filling stations, manufactured gas plant holding tanks, rail spurs, distilleries, foundries, mills, automobile maintenance facilities, a fertilizer plant, a chemical plant, machine shops and various other manufacturing facilities.

According to the report by PSI, some concerns include: likely use of pesticides and herbicides due to creosote-soaked railroad ties. The estimate of $38,359 calls for more than 20 soil borings at depths of eight feet below ground surface to groundwater  or to probe refusal will be required. The budget is not to exceed $46,409.

Martin explained that there is an additional rush cost of $8,050 if rush samples are necessary.

Member Jon Stinson questioned the urgency and noted concerns of city budget with the added $8,050. Martin explained the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Land Revitalization Grant is expected to cover costs. Quicker test results for some contaminants can come back within 48 hours, others can take a week or more.

“I’m trying to figure out -- we know the budget issue the city is currently under -- to spend an extra $8,000 on something that’s been in existence for 144 years, to gain three or four weeks. Unless I was aware of some major concern that hasn’t been brought to this board’s attention,” Stinson said, adding he realized the need for tesing, but wants to be practical.

Martin replied that there is probable cause for contamination, making it an obligation to get the testing underway. There is not necessarily a need for expedited testing results, although he noted that he’s concerned about the proximity of the river.

Member Cary Sparks agreed with Stinson, and motioned for the approval of testing costs, stipulating the additional rush costs allowable only if necessary. The board approved the motion.

All members, Roland Shelton, Sparks and Stinson were present, with exception of Jim Trimble.

In other business:
​

• Terre Haute Fire Department Chief Jeff Fisher addressed the board regarding grievance hearings  by two employees at the last meeting. He said the issues have been resolved after meeting with union officials and assistant chiefs of the deparment. No further action is needed by the board, he stated.

• The board is reviewing two bids for city sidewalk projects and will have a special meeting Oct. 5 at 3:30 p.m. to  award the bid, which included: Dennis Trucking - $388. 079. 29 and ST Construction - $393,505.96.

• Reopen Aquatic Center road project bids to include alternates.

• The board approved an ambulance invoice hardship request.

• The board approved a request to declare a 2003 transit bus as surplus, as it is no longer working.

• The board approved one handicap parking request and denied one handicap parking request.

• The board approved a Veterans Day Parade and route.

• The board approved a request from Bohannon’s East to close 18th Street from Wabash Avenue north to the alley on Oct. 17 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during ISU Homecoming activities.

• The board approved a request from Downtown Terre Haute, Inc. to close Seventh Street from Wabash Avenue to Ohio Street on Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a vendor fair.

• Approved Nationwide retirement loan procedure changes.

• The board tabled action on an amendment for S.R. 641 sanitary and force main $70,000 relocation project.​

• The board approved an amendment for Railroad ITS Project, which involves 13 railroad tracks across the country. In the second phase, it will provide 911 services with information that can project when and for how long traffic will be stopped by trains. The project is made available with grant money.

Terre Haute attorney David Friedrich, of Wilkinson, Goeller, Modesitt, Wilkinson & Drummy, has filed a response to the lawsuit by a former jailer against Vigo County Jail officials for allegedly wrongfully firing him and related offenses.

The lawsuit, requesting a jury trial, was filed July 29 in U.S. District Court Southern Indiana-Terre Haute Division. The plaintiff makes several allegations against the defendants. He is seeking $150,000 in compensatory damages “for having been wrongfully terminated, including lost wages, prejudgment interest, and prospective lost wages, and emotional distress.”

Plaintiff Kim Hawkins, represented by Indianapolis attorney Michael Sutherlin, seeks punitive damages “because of the conduct of the sheriff” and asks that he also be awarded attorney fees and costs.He believes he was fired because he reported abuse and wrongdoing in the jail.

In response to the complaint for damages, defendants Greg Ewing, sheriff of Vigo County; John Moats, Vigo County jail commander; Charles Funk, Vigo County jail commander; Patty Bauer, Vigo County jail matron; and Vigo County, Indiana, by counsel, also formally request that the matter be tried by a jury.

According to the court documents, the defendants deny several allegations in the complaint for damages. The documents state the defendants acted within the scope of their discretionary authority and are entitled to qualified immunity from prosecution of Hawkins claims, and are thus immune from monetary damages.

Recap of defendant response filed Monday:

• The defendants admit that Ewing terminated Hawkins, but deny allegations that “when Kim Hawkins asked why, defendant Ewing indicated that people were on his “ass” for that (inmate) release and he had to have Kim Hawkins’ resignation or he was going to have to fire him.”
  

• The defendants admit that Leeann Funk (wife of jail commander) was a Vigo County Sheriff’s employee at the time of Hawkins termination, but deny it was planned she would replace him in the job.

• The defendants deny the allegations Hawkins reported instances of abuse and excessive force to  Bauer, the jail matron, and Sheriff  Ewing and that he also reported instances of excessive force to former Jail Commander Moats and his successor, Charles Funk.
  

• The defendants deny the allegations Hawkins was the subject of retaliation and was punished contrary to the protections of the United Stated Constitution and the Whistleblower Statutes, which protect government employees in the State of Indiana.
  

• To the extent Hawkins has alleged a tort against any defendant, the defendants are entitled to immunity. 
  

• To the extent Hawkins complaint is construed to be in tort, Hawkins own fault precludes his recovery in this action.
  

• At all times mentioned in the complaint, the defendants acted in good faith, without malice, and performed their duties with due care and diligence and in the reasonable belief that their actions were duly authorized in accordance with existing statutory and constitutional provisions. The Defendants contend that any adverse action against Hawkins is protected by law as constitutional exercise in maintaining discipline, chain of command authority, and otherwise securing the efficient operation of a law enforcement agency.

• Hawkins rights, privileges, and immunities secured under the United States Constitution and laws of the United States have not been violated by any action or failure of action on the part of the Defendants. 
  

• Any action undertaken by any of the Defendants in this cause of action was in an official, not an individual capacity. 

• Plaintiff is not entitled to attorney’s fees or costs except as specifically authorized by statute. 
  

• The defendants are not liable for punitive damages under Indiana law. 
  

• Hawkins damages, if any, are capped under Indiana law. 
  

• To the extent Hawkins brings state law claims, the defendants are entitled to all applicable immunities under Indiana Code I.C. 34-13-3-3. 11.
  
  

ICN will continue to follow this story as it develops. For ICN related coverage by Lucy Perry, see: http://www.indianacentralnews.com/news-for-vigo-and-surrounding-areas.html