High-speed chase ends with head-on collision
An Indiana State Trooper was involved in a head-on collision last week, after Master Trooper Barry Bischoff identified and then pursued a speeding blue Ford Mustang on SR 109 in Hancock County. The incident occurred just before 3 pm on Thursday.
Law Enforcement attempt to halt the vehicle for speeding escalated into a high-speed chase, clocking 88 mph in a 55 mph zone. The driver, 34 year-old Dustin Scott Powell, from Knightstown, refused to yield, triggering a chase that headed onto US 36 towards Middletown. Trooper Corey Bell deployed stop-sticks, but Powell executed a dangerous U-turn, directly confronting law enforcement vehicles. With a sudden swerve across the center line, Powell’s car collided head-on with Sgt. Coley McCutcheon’s vehicle near Mechanicsburg Road on US 36. Sgt. McCutcheon sustained minor injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. Powell was apprehended following a medical assessment, now facing preliminary charges including a Level 6 Felony for Resisting Law Enforcement.
All 20 members of fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking organization sentenced to total of more than 265 years in Federal Prison
Richard A. Wells, a/k/a Council, 30, of Indianapolis, Indiana has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Wells was the final of 20 defendants to be sentenced in this conspiracy.
According to court documents, Wells was a member of a methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization that operated in the Indianapolis area from February 2019 through July 14, 2021. The organization was led by Jason Betts, a resident of Indianapolis, who coordinated the receipt of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Los Angeles, California and organized the distribution of the controlled substances in Indianapolis. Betts was previously sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by Judge Hanlon following his guilty plea.
In February of 2023, Rick P. Coley, 36, of Indianapolis, and David K. Duggar, 40, of Greenwood, were convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a two-week jury trial. Both Coley and Duggar served as upper-level drug distributors for Betts. Judge Hanlon sentenced Coley to 30 years’ imprisonment and Duggar to 23 years.
The investigation resulted in the indictment and conviction of twenty total defendants for their roles in the organization’s drug trafficking activity. The organization distributed approximately 350 pounds of methamphetamine and 15 kilograms of fentanyl during its operation.
Other sentences include the following:
| Defendant | Charge | Sentence |
| Jennifer J. Black, 41, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 21 years’ imprisonment |
| Aleshalia Boss, 43, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and Distribution of Fentanyl | 22 years’ imprisonment |
| Brittany Cocco, 33, Indianapolis | Unlawful use of a cell phone | Time Served |
| Kenneth K. Fielder, 28, Bloomfield | Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine | 4.5 years’ imprisonment |
| Stephen Grider, a/k/a Compton, 42, Los Angeles, California | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 14 years’ imprisonment |
| Donta L. Hampton, 36, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 18 years’ imprisonment |
| Justin Helms, age, Spencer, Indiana | Conspiracy to distribute controlled | 4.5 years’ imprisonment |
| Colin Johnson, 30, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 5 years’ imprisonment |
| Brian McGee, 44, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 10 years’ imprisonment. |
| William K. Mosier, 43, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 10 years’ imprisonment. |
| Christina Pennington, 26, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 1.5 years’ imprisonment |
| Mar-Kel Sampson, 31, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 2 years’ imprisonment |
| Marco Uribe, 43, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 10 years imprisonment |
| Asa Vetters, 32, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 10 years’ imprisonment. |
| Montez L. Wells, 32, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 20 years’ imprisonment |
| Carl T. Wilson, a/k/a Bud, 36, Indianapolis | Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances | 10 years’ imprisonment |
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Bloomington Infrastructure Project Update
- Parks & Rec – New, outdoor fitness equipment, purchased and installed with a Neighborhood Improvement Grant from the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, officially opened at Southeast Park, 1600 Sycamore Ct.
The $9,000 grant for the equipment was awarded to the Arden Place and Sycamore Knolls Neighborhood Associations in 2022. The equipment includes a trio of step-up benches and horizontal bars, chest press and lat pulldown machine, and a ski runner. The neighborhood associations worked with Parks and Recreation to select the equipment and color scheme. The equipment was selected for its accessibility for all ages and ability levels, as well as for its universal design that allows for a variety of movements.
The equipment is free to use, and is available for use during park hours of 5am-11pm. - Resurfacing Projects – During the week of August 28, weather permitting, the Department of Public Works Street Division crews will begin milling and resurfacing on W Tapp Rd from S Adams St to S Rockport Rd, W Country Club from S Walnut St to S Rockport Rd. The Division will prep streets prior to resurfacing and will have restrictions during work hours (7am-4pm). Signage will be posted. View an interactive map of 2023 paving projects.
Kate Stuart to retire from State Police after 36 years of service
After thirty-six years of devoted service with the Indiana State Police, Kate Stuart, PE 4983, Area II Professional Staff Administrative Assistant has retired. Kate was appointed to service on June 1, 1987. During her tenure she has served for many North Zone and Area II Commanders, to include (chronologically) Captain John Siegel, Captain Dave Saggars, Captain Larry Rollins, Captain Bob Rich, Major Gary Robbins, Captain Keith Kopinski, Captain Andy Coffee, Major Ed Schroeder, and currently working for Major Tony Casto and Captain Kevin Smith.
In honor of her service and anticipated retirement a celebration was held at the Fort Wayne Post training room last Friday. As expected, it was a packed house of family, friends, and co-workers representing nearly four decades of public service. Specifically in attendance to speak on behalf of the guest of honor was Superintendent Doug Carter, Major Tony Casto, and Captain Kevin Smith.
This Week in Hoosier History
1952 – Will Shortz, was born in Crawfordsville Indiana. Shortz is an American puzzle creator and editor who is the crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in the invented field of “enigmatology”. After starting his career at Penny Press and Games magazine, he was hired by The New York Times in 1993. Shortz’s American Crossword Puzzle Tournament is the country’s oldest and largest crossword tournament.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson