On Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 2:42PM, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a rural area of Jefferson Township, Newton County (about 2 miles Northwest of Kentland) for a report of a body found by the property owner.

The victim is believed to be a white female, age unknown.  Identification is pending autopsy.  No further details are available at this time as this is an active investigation.

If anyone has information, please contact Detective Rowe at 219-474-5661 or you may call our TIP LINE 219-234-7014.

On March 19^th, 2019, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Kelly L. McCray, age 42, of Martinton. According to police reports, McCray was charged with aggravated domestic battery. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On March 20^th , 2019, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Madison E, LeClair, age 24, of Ashkum. According to police reports, LeC!air was charged with violating an order of protection, She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains in lieu of bond.

On March 21 ^st, 2019, Sheldon Police arrested Matthew F. Shon, age 44, of Sheldon. According to police reports, Short was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with contempt of court. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

Watseka Police responded to a 911 misdial in the 300 block of E. Walnut St. at 1:06 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a verbal domestic in the 100 block of W. Hickory St. at 4:27 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an unwanted subject at a residence in the 200 block of W. Mulberry St. at 4:34 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an ordinance violation in the 200 block of E. cherry st. at 5:09 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a vehicle parked in the roadway on N. Market St. at W. Main St. at 5:27 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police responded to a call of a property dispute in the 300 block of E. Cherry st. at 5:33 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police responded to a call of a found dog at a residence in the 500 block of W. Main st. at 6:16 P.M. on 3/20/19.

Watseka Police arrested Rolando J. Salazar, 23 of Bourbonnais after they were dispatched to S. Grant St. near Emerald Ct. for a stalled vehicle in the side of the roadway at 9:28 P.M. on 3/20/19. Salazar was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and also ticketed for driving while BAC over .08. He was transported to ICSD jail where he later posted bond and was released.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a dog running at large in the 500 block of E. Elm st. at 7:15 A.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an overdose in the 400 block of W. Mulberry st. at 10:55 A.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a theft that occurred in the 1100 block of E. Walnut st. at 3: 4 P.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an overdose in the 300 block of W. Mulberry st. at 5:42 P.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of telephone harassment in the 500 block of E. Lincoln Av. at 5:59 P.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an overdose in the 300 block of N. Chicago st at 8:19 P.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police responded to a r port of a dog running at large in Creekside Ct. at 8:39 P.M. on 3-18-19.

Watseka Police arrested Mychele J. Smith, 25 of Watseka on Tuesday March 19, 2019 at 1:56 A.M. afte stopping her vehicle for disobeying a stop sign on E. Locust St. at S. 8^th Street. Smith was charged with DU! alcohol and drugs and also ticketed for Disobeying a stop sign and Illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver. She was transported to ICSD jail where she later posted bond and was released.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an intoxicated pedestrian in the 400 block of W. Walnut St. at 4:42 A.M. on 3-19-19.

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Watseka Police responded to a report of possible drugs located in the 400 block of W. Walnut st. at 5:21 A.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of trespassing in the 100 block of W. Walnut St. at 9:42 A.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of possible gun shots in the 500 block of W. Walnut st. at 11:20 A.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a theft of a purse from a vehicle in the 100 block of N. 3 ^rd kt. at 1:15 P.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a 911 hangup call in the 500 block of E. Elm St. at 3:31 P.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a request of a welfare check in the 700 block of E. oak st. at 7:03 P.M. oÅ 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an intoxicated pedestrian in the 200 block of W. Mulberry St. at 7:35 P.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an unwanted subject at a

residence in the 100 block of E. ashington St. at 7:54 P.M. on 3-19-19.

Watseka Police responded to a r port of a suicidal subject in the 200 block of S. 4^th st. at 8:11 P.M. on -19-19.

Watseka Police responded to an activated burglar alarm in the 100 block of N. 8^th st. at 12:33 A.M. 0 3-20-19.

Watseka Police located a suspicious vehicle with a subject asleep inside of it in the 1000 block of E. Waln t St. at 1:12 A.M. on 3-20-19.

Watseka Police arrested Eddie M ncilla Jr., 40 of Watseka on

Wednesday March 20, 2019 at 10:48 A.M. in the 100 block of S. 4^th St. on a Kankakee County warrant charging him with Aggravated Criminal

Sexual Abuse after Police received a tip of his location. Mancilla was

also charged with Obstructing J stice and Possession of False

Identification Cards. He was transported to ICSD jail where he awaits a court appearance in Iroquois County before extradition to Kankakee 

WHERE:   I-57 Southbound at Milepost 280 (Iroquois County) 
 
WHEN:  Monday, March 18, 2019, 2:06 p.m. 
 
VEHICLE:  Unit One:  2007, MCIN, Charter Bus    Unit Two:  2006, FRHT, Truck Tractor             DRIVER:  Unit One:  Richard M Willoughby, 66, Tuscola IL    Unit Two:  Warren Sheffer, 58, Jacksonville, FL     PRELIMINARY:  Preliminary investigation has indicated the Bus was traveling southbound on I-57 at milepost 280, and rear ended the Semi.  There were approximately 30 passengers on the Bus, 9 passengers and the driver of the bus were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. 
CHARGES:  The driver of the Bus was issued a citation for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. 

WHERE:   Route 45/52 11000N (Kankakee County) 
 
WHEN:  Monday, March 18, 2019, 9:08 p.m. 
 
VEHICLE:  Unit One:  2006 Kawasaki Motorcycle    Unit Two:  2012 Ford Van    Unit Three:  2004 Lexus SUV          DRIVER:  Unit One:  Kristopher M. Cortese, 30, Wilmington (Deceased, Male)    Unit Two:  Michael C. Geise, 37, Bourbonnais     Unit Three:  Mary Drevetzki, 55, Peotone 
 
PRELIMINARY:  Preliminary investigation has indicated the Motorcycle was traveling southbound on Route 45/52 at 11000N Rd.  The driver of the Motorcycle attempted to pass another vehicle and struck the Van head on, which was traveling northbound on Route 45/52. The Lexus was traveling northbound and struck the motorcycle and driver which were in the roadway.  The driver of the Motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene by the Kankakee County Coroner.   
  

Watseka Police investigated a two-vehicle accident on the West Bridge at 7:28   A.M. on 03-14-19. According to Police reports, a vehicle driven by Angela L Pratt, 39 Danforth failed to a see a vehicle driven by Jeffery P Heagle, 50 Watseka that had stopped in traffic. Pratt was unable to stop in time, causing her vehicle to strike the Heagle vehicle from behind. Damage was estimated at over $1,500. No citations were issued and no injuries were reported. Watseka Fire and Riverside ambulance were also called to the scene.

Watseka Police responded to a 911 hang up in the 700 block of E Walnut at 8:38 A.M. on 03-14-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of burglary in the 400 block of N Fourth at 5:26 P.M. on 03-14-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 200 block of W North at 6:15 A.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an ordinance violation in the 1000 block of W Newell at 10:14 A.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to an ordinance violation in the 500 block of W North at 10:22 A.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of criminal damage to vehicle in the 500 block of E Grant at 11:31 A.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of fraud in the 100 block of S Brown at 1:30

P.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a child custody matter in the 200 block of Brianna Dr at 6:08 P.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an unwanted person in the 1700 block of E Walnut at 7:38 P.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 100 block of W Ash at 10:56 P.M. on 03-15-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 500 block of E Lincoln at 4:54 A.M. on 03-16-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a civil disturbance in the 100 block of E Creekside Ct at 9:59 A.M. on 03-16-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of theft in the 1700 block of E Walnut at 2:46 P.M. on 03-16-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an unwanted person in the 1700 block of E Walnut at 7:26 P.M. on 03-16-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of theft in the 1700 block of E Walnut at 7:29 P.M. on 03-16-19.

Watseka Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of E Oak at 11:29 A.M. on 03-17-19.

Watseka Police responded to a vehicle complaint in the 300 block of N Market at 5:00 P.M. on 03-17-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of found items in the 400 block of S Fourth at 5:40 P.M. on 03-17-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of harassment in the 300 block of W Hickory at 6:53 P.M. on 03-17-19.

On March 16^th, 2019, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Dale S. Robidoux, age 41, of Buckley, IL, According to police reports, Robidoux was charged with aggravated domestic battery. Robidoux was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On March 16^th, 2019, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Alvin R. Lovell, age 40, of Wellington, IL. According to Police reports, Lovell was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with aggravated battery. Lovell was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On March 16^th, 2019, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Justin R. Gray, age 36, of Milford, IL. According to Police reports, Gray was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with driving while license is revoked. Gray was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On March 17^th, 2019, Sheldon Police arrested Kimberly D, Reichert age 48, of Sheldon, IL. According to police reports, Reicher was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for theft under $500. Reicher was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains in lieu of bond.

On March 18^th, 2019, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Nichols G. Oliver, age 26, of Onarga, IL. According to Police reports, Oliver was wanted on an outstanding Kankakee County warrant charging him with failure to appear for driving while license is suspended. Oliver was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he later posted the required bond and was released.

On March 18^th, 2019, Michael L Bailey, age 39, of Danville, IL. turned himself into the Iroquois County Jail According to reports, Bailey was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with driving under the influence. Bailey later posted the required bond amount and was released.

On March 18^th, 2019, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police investigated a two vehicle accident at the intersection of Co, Rd. 2200 E and Co. Rd. 3300 N, According to Police reports, a vehicle driven by Patrick B. Vickery, age 46, of Beaverville, IL. was traveling west on Co, Rd. 3300 N. when a vehicle

driven by Katelyn R, Futrell, age 27, of Beaverville, IL. stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of Co. Rd. 2200 E and Co. Rd. 3300 N. Futrell then failed to yield the right-a-way to Vickery and pulled out 

Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 is reporting the arrest of Eugene D. Harris, 19, of Kankakee for Possession of a Controlled Substance; Jeannine E. Baker, 34, of Hoopeston for DUI; Rafael Martinez, 58, of Saint Anne for DUI; Mathew F. Lytle, 27, of Kankakee for Possession of Cannabis 100-500 Grams; Larry Murray, 54, of Sun River Terrace for DUI; and Noah C. Frerichs, 22, of Clifton for DUI. 
 
On March 14, 2019 at approximately 9:13 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County.  The trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 45 and S. East Ave.  The trooper attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle fled from the trooper.   The vehicle turned into the parking lot of the Fairview Courts Motel on Schuyler Ave, and struck a Kankakee County Deputy’s vehicle.  The driver, Eugene Harris was placed under arrest.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed heroine.  Harris was transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing.   Harris was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Obstructing a Police Officer.  Harris was also issued citations for fleeing and eluding a police officer, speeding, no valid driver’s license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. 
 
On March 15, 2019 at approximately 2:51 A.M., an Illinois State Trooper was dispatched to a vehicle in the ditch on Route 49 at 1120 N Road in Iroquois County.  The trooper arrived on scene and spoke with the driver, Jeannine Baker.  Baker showed signs of alcohol impairment.  Baker was placed under arrest and transported to the Iroquois County Jail for processing.  Baker was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.  Baker was also issued citations for improper lane usage, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic communication device.   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
On March 16, 2019 at approximately 1:15 A.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County.  The trooper observed a vehicle speeding and traveling all over the roadway on Route 17 at Heiland Road.  The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Rafael Martinez.   Martinez showed signs of alcohol impairment.  Martinez was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing.  Martinez was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and issued citations for speeding and improper lane usage. 
 
On March 16, 2019 at approximately 10:00 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County.  The trooper observed a vehicle with a loud muffler on Schuyler Ave at Jeffrey St.  The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Mathew F. Lytle.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 140.6 grams of cannabis and drug paraphilia.  Lytle was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing. Lytle was charged with Possession of Cannabis 100-500 Grams, Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis 100-500 Grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 
 
On March 17, 2019 at approximately 12:06 A.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County.  The trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Court St. at Myrtle Ave.  The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Larry Murray.  Murray showed signs of alcohol impairment.  Murray was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing.  Murray was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.  Murray was also issued citations for speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driver not wearing a seatbelt, illegal transportation of alcohol, and driving while license suspended.   
 
On March 17, 2019 at approximately 12:16 A.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Kankakee County.  The trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and all over the roadway on I-57 southbound at milepost 309.  The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Noah C. Frerichs.   Frerichs showed signs of alcohol impairment.  Frerichs was placed under arrest and transported to the Kankakee County Jail for processing.  Frerichs was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and issued citations for speeding and improper lane usage.

On March 12^th , 2019, Iroquois County Sheriffs Police arrested Jonathan W. Castonguay, age 39, of Joliet. According to police reports, Castonguay was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with retail theft. He was aware of his warrant and turned himself into the Iroquois County Jail where he posted the required bond and was released.

On March 13th, 20191 Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Merideth L. Irwin, age 24, of Hoopeston. According to Police reports, Irwin was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance. She was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where she remains in lieu of bond-

On March 13^ff, 2019) Milford Police arrested Anthony Schneider, age 48, of Hoopeston, According to police reports, Schneider was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging him with failure to appear for violation of an order of protection. He was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

Watseka Police responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the 200 block of W Locust at 8:19 A.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to an animal complaint in the 500 block of E Grant at           9:08 A.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 300 block of N Third at 10:03 A.M. that led to an arrest of a Watseka man. Acting on information, Police were able to locate the suspect in the 400 block of E Walnut at 1:34 P.M. on 03-13-19, While Police were speaking to him they uncovered evidence linking the man to the burglary. James A Musselman, 32 was charged with Residential burglary, theft over $500, and criminal damage to property. Once Musselrnan was transported to the Iroquois County jail, Police found that Musselman was in possession of a hypodermic needle, which he was also charged with. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Watseka Police responded to a report of theft in the 400 block of E Cherry at 2:57 P.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a domestic in the 500 block of E Ash at 5:23 P.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 300 block of E Walnut at 6:34 P.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Veteran's parkway at 9:58 P.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an unwanted person in the 300 block of N Fourth at 11:59 P.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of harassment in the 400 block of E Mulberry at 1:20 A.M. on 03-14-19,

Watseka Police located an open door in the 300 block of N Fourth at 2:07 A.M. on

03-14-19.

The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Annual Banquet for 2019.  This year’s event will be held at the Watseka Elks Lodge on May 1st starting at 5:30 PM.  This year the theme is “Cinco de Mayo”. 
The highlight of the event is the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce awards for Professional and Staff Achievement.  The Times-Republic also gives out the Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards.  
The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted for the 2019 Professional Award and Staff Achievement Award. 
 The Professional Award is given to a Chamber member who consistently enhances the Chamber and the local business community, demonstrates a commitment to community and civic affairs, serves as a business leader in the community, demonstrates a commitment to addressing employee needs and is respected by others in the community.   
            The Staff Achievement Award is given to an employee of a Chamber member who demonstrates excellent customer service, goes above and beyond his/her assigned duties, thinks “outside the box”, takes initiative on challenging task or projects, shows creativity and exhibits certain personal attributes which make him/her a role model to others. 
 Anyone interested in nominating someone for either of the above awards can do so by contacting the Chamber office at 815-432-2416 for a nomination form or go to www.watsekachamber.org. Please note if you have someone you would like to nominate just give us a name and why you are nominating them, a short, brief paragraph. 
Deadline for nominations is Friday, April 19, 2019.  Nominations will be reviewed and selected by this year’s Annual Meeting & Awards Night Committee of the Chamber.  Winners will be announced approximately 1 week ahead of time and will receive their awards during the May 1, 2019 Annual Meeting & Awards Night event.

Watseka Police investigated a two vehicle accident in the 300 block of Old US 24 at 7:15 A.M. on 03-11-19. According to Police reports, a vehicle driven by John A Stock Ill, 38 Ashkum was backing up in a private drive when he struck a parked vehicle owned by Bazra trucking. Damage was estimated at over $1,500. No injuries were reported and no citations were issued.

Watseka Police provided a funeral escort at 10:05 A.M. on 03-11-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of fraud in the 400 block of N Veteran's parkway at 10:19 A.M. on 03-11-19.

Watseka Police responded to a domestic in the 300 block of W Park Ave at 1:37 P.M. on 03-11-19.

Watseka Police responded to a vehicle complaint in the 500 block of N Market at 4:16 P.M. on 03-11-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of fraud in the 1100 block of E Walnut at 9:16 P.M. on 03-11-19.

Watseka Police responded to a domestic in the 400 block of N Fifth at 3:39 A.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of an unwanted person in the 100 block of W Walnut at 10:10 A.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police cited James K Bennett, 68 Watseka in the 200 block of N Second at 10:51 A.M. on 03-12-19 for driving while license revoked. Bennett posted bond and was released.

Watseka Police responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 400 biock of N Market at 11:21 A.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a 911 hang up in the 100 block of E cherry at 11:58 A.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of theft in the 700 block of W Walnut at 2:38 P.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police responded to a vehicle complaint in the 100 block of E Creekside Ct at 3:36 P.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of harassment in the 200 block of Hubbard Ct at 8:24 P.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police arrested Pamela R Lowe, 33 Watseka in the 1700 block of E Walnut at 9:42 P.M. on 03-12-19 for retail theft. Lowe was transported to the Iroquois County jail.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 800 block of W Lafayette at 10:31 P.M. on 03-12-19.

Watseka Police assisted the Urbana Police Department in locating a stolen vehicle from their city at 12:15 A.M. on 03-13-19. Police located the vehicle at a business in the 700 block of W Walnut and later made contact with the driver. Police eventually arrested Candace B Pinkstaff, 22 Watseka. Pinkstaff was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and Obstruction of justice after she lied to Police about her name. Pinkstaff was also wanted on a Champaign county warrant charging her with retail theft under $300. Pinkstaff was transported to the Iroquois County jail.

Watseka Police responded to a public service call in the 500 block of N Second at 12:55 A.M. on 03-13-19.

Watseka Police responded to a 911 hang up in the 100 block of E Cherry at 5:02 A.M. on 03-13-19.

ASHKUM, IL- Illinois State Police (ISP) District 21 is reporting the arrest of Brittany A. Are-Latosa, 22, of Chicago for Possession of Cannabis More Than 500 Grams But Not More Than 2,000 Grams. 
 
On March 12, 2019 at approximately 10:24 P.M., an Illinois State Trooper was on patrol in Iroquois County.  The trooper observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed (100 mph in a 70 mph zone) on I-57 northbound at mile post 294.    The trooper stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Brittany Are-Latosa.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 1917.95 grams of cannabis.  Are-Lotosa was placed under arrest and transported to the Iroquois County Jail for processing.  Are-Latosa was charged with Possession of Cannabis More Than 500 Grams But Not More Than 2,000 Grams and Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis More Than 500 Grams But Not More Than 2,000 Grams.  Are-Latosa was also issued citations for speeding and improper use of the left lane. 

On Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 6:55am, Newton County Sheriff’s Deputy Melton observed a Chevrolet Trailblazer traveling southbound on SR 55 near CR 400N.  The vehicle is alleged to have been traveling at a speed of 90MPH in a 50MPH zone.

Deputy Melton activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop.  When Melton exited his marked patrol vehicle the Trailblazer fled southbound on SR 55.

The pursuit lasted about 15 minutes, traveling on various county roads before the driver came to a stop.

Gerald Cramer Jr., 37 years old of Lowell, IN, was the driver and sole occupant.  He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Newton County Jail on probable cause for reckless driving and resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle.  Additionally, Cramer was cited for various traffic infractions including driving while suspended.

All suspects are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Assisting agencies:  Newton County Communications, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police.
 

WHAT:  Personal Injury Traffic Crash 
WHERE:   I-57 southbound at milepost 237 
WHEN:  03/13/2019 12:35 a.m. 
VEHICLES:           Unit 1- 2008 black Chrysler PT Cruiser 
   Unit 2- 1997 white Freightliner 
DRIVERS:  Unit 1- Dawn R Garrelts, 52, Onarga, IL 
   Unit 2- Eldemire R Berlanga, 38, Mexico 
PASSENGER:  None 
       PRELIMINARY:  Illinois State Police District 10 are investigating a personal injury traffic crash.  Preliminary investigation shows Unit 1 was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-57 at milepost 237.  Unit 2 was traveling southbound on I57 in the left lane at milepost 237.  Units 1 and 2 collided head on in the left lane of I-57 at milepost 237. The collision caused heavy damage to both Units.  Both drivers sustained injuries that appear Not to be life threatening.  Both the drivers were wearing seatbelts.    
Charges:   The driver of Unit 1 was charged with, Aggravated Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, and Operating a vehicle with no Insurance.    
Transported: Both Drivers were transported to an area hospita

On March 8^th , 2019, Iroquois County Sheriff's Police arrested Jeremy K. Jones, age 38, of Beaverville, IL- According to police reports, Jones was charged with battery. Jones was transported to the Iroquois County Jail where he remains in lieu of bond.

On March 1 I ^th , 2019, Milford Police arrested Angela R. Julian, age 25, of Milford, IL. According to police reports, Julian was wanted on an outstanding Iroquois County warrant charging her with failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine and a Vermilion County warrant charging her with failure to appear for dangerous drugs, Julian was transported to the Iroquois County •Jail where she remains in lieu of bond,

Sunday, March 10, 2019 at approximately 08:13 am Newton county Sheriff’s Deputy Wallace attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Malibu for a moving violation on US 41 just south of Morocco.

When Deputy Wallace activated his emergency lights, the vehicle acted as if it were pulling over, it then continued northbound on US 41.  The vehicle now showed no intentions of stopping and refused to yield to emergency lights and siren.

 The vehicle ran out of gas on US 41 and 157th Avenue in Lake County.  The driver identified as Javis D. Hall (30 years old of Gary, IN) was taken into custody without any incident. It was found that his two daughters, ages 4 and 8 were also inside of the vehicle during this encounter. Hall was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

Hall was transported to the Newton County Jail on probable cause for:  Reckless Driving, Criminal Recklessness with a motor vehicle, Resisting Law enforcement with a motor vehicle, child endangerment, and possession of a controlled substance.

Department of Children Services was contacted regarding the children.  They were provided with a meal and released to their mother.

All suspects are considered innocent unless/until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assisting agencies, Schneider PD, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lowell PD, Indiana DNR, and Cedar Lake PD.
  

Watseka Police responded to an animal complaint in the 200 block of N Third at 5:46 P.M. on 03-07-19.

Watseka Police responded to an animal complaint in the 400 block of E Oak at 7:50 P.M. on 03-07-19.

Watseka Police responded to a 911 hang up in the 400 block of W Walnut at 7:53

P.M. on 03-07-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of phone harassment in the 100 block of Hubbard ct at 8:47 A.M. on 03-08-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of fraud in the 300 block of E Walnut at 9:35 A.M. on 03-08-19.

Watseka Police arrested Nicholas J Davis, 30 Watseka in the 100 block of E Oak at 1:01 P.M. on 03-08-19. Davis was wanted on an Iroquois County warrant charging him with theft. Davis was transported to the Iroquois County jail.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 1000 block of E Grant at 12:30 P.M. on 03-08-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of theft in the 100 block of E Creekside Ct at 2:51 P.M. on 03-08-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a man with a gun in the 400 block of N Second at 3:12 P.M. on 03-08-19. Upon arrival, Police located a male that stated that a resident had been shooting a pellet gun at him. Police then spoke to the resident who told Police that he had been threatened by the other man and was trying to protect himself. Police arrested Roberto P Alvarado, 22 Watseka on charges of reckless conduct, aggravated assault, 

Watseka Police responded to a 911 open line in the 800 block of W Lafayette at 2:44 P.M. on 03-10-19.

Watseka Police responded to a domestic in the 800 block of W Walnut at 3:55

P.M. on 03-10-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a domestic in the 300 block of W Park Ave at 3:15 A.M. on 03-11-19.

Watseka Police responded to a 911 open line in the 800 block of W Lafayette at 11:16 P.M. on 03-08-19.

Watseka Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 200 block of S Yount at 11:55 P.M. on 03-08-19.

Watseka Police responded to a domestic in the 700 block of W Walnut at 2:35 A.M. on 03-09-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 500 block of E Grant at 11:03 A.M. on 03-09-19.

Watseka Police responded to a child custody matter in the 600 block of S Second at 12:37 P.M. on 03-09-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of a vehicle complaint in the 400 block of E Walnut at 2:24 P.M. on 03-09-19.

Watseka Police responded to a civil matter in the 100 block of E Creekside Ct at 3:23 P.M. on 03-09-19.

Watseka Police responded to an activated alarm in the 500 block of E Elm at 6:11

P.M. on 03-09-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of loud music in the 200 block of E Oak at 3:40 A.M. on 03-10-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of criminal damage to property in the 400 block of N Market at 8:02 A.M. on 03-10-19.

Watseka Police responded to a report of criminal damage to vehicle in the 200 block of N Sixth at 9:57 A.M. on 03-10-19.

At the March 6, 2019 Sheriff’s Merit Board meeting, Deputy Jesse Wallace was presented with a merit award for his actions and efforts when he responded to a vehicle crash.

Sheriff VanVleet explained “On October 3, 2018 Deputy Wallace responded to a single vehicle crash on US 41.  There was one fatality.  A passenger in the vehicle suffered serious injuries.   Deputy Wallace’s quick actions and efforts to apply a tourniquet to the severed leg of the passenger made the difference in her survival.  There is no doubt Deputy Wallace saved a life that morning.  Wallace’s activity is continuously high, his character is admirable and he sets a great example.  We are proud to have him serving with our office.”

Deputy Wallace is a former U. S. Marine and became a Newton County Sheriff’s Deputy in August of 2017.

Wallace was recommended for this award by Corporal B. Hoskins

Illinois State Police District 21 Commander, Captain Don Aaron Harsy, 
announced today activity and enforcement figures for February 2019.   
Illinois State Police District 21 Troopers issued 446 citations, 842 written warnings, including 9 
DUIs, 29 seatbelt citations, 26 criminal arrests.  Troopers also assisted 257 motorists, 
conducted 237 Motor Carrier Inspections, and investigated 103 traffic crashes.  There was one 
fatal crash investigated by District 21 in February.   
According to the National Safety Council the major contributing factors to motor-vehicle 
deaths in the United States are lack of occupant protection, alcohol, speeding, young drivers, 
distractions, and large trucks. 
In an effort to reduce fatalities, the Illinois State Police uses enforcement activities and 
educational programs to fight these major contributing factors.