Local News Headlines: September 8, 2021

Reported shooter suspect in custody
Tuesday evening around 5:30pm there were reports of shots fired on Bloomington’s west side. Emergency personnel flooded West 3^rd Street and the Plaza which was once anchored by Kmart, and currently hosts the likes of Freddy’s, Joann Fabrics, and Planet Fitness. Social Media was abuzz until the Bloomington Police Department issued a statement at approximately 7pm, reading:

A shooting investigation is currently underway in the 3400 block of West 3rd Street. THE SUSPECT IS IN CUSTODY. THERE IS NO CURRENT THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY. There will be a large police presence on West 3rd Street as the investigation continues. Please avoid the area to allow investigators room to work.

Quarter Pound of Methamphetamine Leads to Dealing Arrest by ISP
On Labor Day, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and Drug Enforcement Section concluded a month-long investigation into the dealing of large quantities of methamphetamine in Lawrence County. Troopers were investigating information that Brooklyn E. Smith, 22 years old of Bedford, was involved in dealing methamphetamine. Utilizing a variety of investigative techniques, investigating Troopers were able to corroborate the information.

On Monday afternoon, they learned that Smith was traveling to Bedford, from Louisville, with a large amount of methamphetamine. Trp. Chance Humphrey, Sgt. Greg Day and DES Detectives located Smith, who was driving a 2014 Buick Verano, northbound on SR 37 north of US 50 West. Smith was speeding in the posted 55mph zone, so Troopers conducted a traffic stop. A male passenger was also located in the vehicle.

During the traffic stop, troopers observed indicators of criminal activity. They asked for, and received consent, to search the vehicle. During the search, a methamphetamine pipe and a set of digital scales with methamphetamine residue in the car. Troopers also located a loaded handgun in Smith’s purse. They placed Smith into custody, who then let troopers know that she had methamphetamine hidden in her bra. It was discovered that Smith had 4 ounces (113 grams) of methamphetamine.

Due to the circumstances of where the methamphetamine was located, in conjunction with evidence obtained from interviewing Smith, there was no probable cause to arrest the male passenger on any offense. He was subsequently released from the stop.

Smith was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following charges,

Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams (Level 2 Felony)
Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams (Level 3 Felony)

***All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

City of Bloomington Board and Commission Vacancies
Vacancies exist on the City of Bloomington boards and commissions listed below. Interested residents will find relevant information on each vacancy at the links provided and are encouraged to apply through the City’s Onboard platform at https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/applicants/apply. Notice is given pursuant to Bloomington Municipal Code 2.02.020.

Bloomington Arts Commission:

https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees/info?committee_id=5

Board of Zoning Appeals:

https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees/info?committee_id=4

Commission on Aging:

https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees/members?committee_id=36

Commission on Hispanic and Latino Afffairs:

https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees/members?committee_id=15

Commission on Sustainability:

https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees/members?committee_id=29

Commission on the Status of Children and Youth:

https://bloomington.in.gov/onboard/committees/members?committee_id=38