Latest news with #VCSO
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Diver helps solve a nearly 20-year-old cold case involving a fellow diver gone missing
A nearly 20-year-old cold case involving a missing diver has been solved in Volusia County with the help of the County's medical examiner, who has expertise in diving. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office says DNA testing from human remains that washed onto New Smyrna Beach in 2007 belong to Robert Martin, a diver who disappeared off ther coast of Ponce Inlet in 2006. It wasn't until 2024 that the remains were submitted for advanced forensic testing under the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains grant program, when any progress was made. Then, in May 2025, a match was made officially linking the remains to Martin who disappeared during a trip to the dive site known as the 'party grounds,' about 20 miles offshore. The Volusia County medical examiner, Dr. James Fulcher, who was a certified diver for over 25 years, used his knowledge and experience to examine Martin's equipment and determined his death to be an accident, and no foul play was involved. 'With my diving background, I could examine the equipment and picture what he likely experienced,' Fulcher said in a news release. 'Based on the condition of the gear and known challenges of the dive site, we were able to pinpoint probable malfunctions and evaluate how his habits may have played a role. That helped us determine this was a tragic accident—not foul play.' According to VCSO, Martin's next of kin was notified. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Allegedly impaired driver reportedly crashes vehicle with two juveniles
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office reports a man was arrested after two juveniles were involved in a wreck involving railroad tracks. VCSO says on June 3, around 10:29 p.m., deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the 2700 block of Dixie Flyer Road south of Broadway Avenue. The report indicated that a vehicle had become stuck on the railroad tracks and that multiple individuals were outside the vehicle say upon arrival, deputies located a gray mid-size car with heavy front-end damage, deflated tires and deployed airbags resting on the railroad tracks. The vehicle's operator, later identified as Randall W. Drury, 27, of Evansville, was found walking near the scene while speaking on his phone. Deputies say they observed clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol and unsteady balance. Governor Beshear launches 'Pre-K for All' initiative Law enforcement officials say Drury admitted to consuming multiple alcoholic beverages several hours prior. Two teenage juveniles, who were passengers in the vehicle, were also located at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were says a preliminary investigation determined that Drury had been speeding, failed to turn, and drove the vehicle onto the tracks, causing 'substantial damage' to the railroad infrastructure. Deputies also learned from a witness that Drury and the juveniles attempted to hide alcohol containers following the say Drury agreed to perform sobriety tests but failed the administered tests. Deputies say Drury became increasingly uncooperative and argumentative with deputies during the investigation. When informed that he was under arrest, Drury allegedly resisted being handcuffed but was eventually taken into custody without injury. While in a patrol vehicle, he reportedly continued to act aggressively, yelling and headbutting the window. Drury was taken to the emergency room as a precaution, but allegedly caused a disturbance there as well. Man convicted of 1996 Indiana murder dies in prison The VCSO says the juveniles, who were found to be under the influence of alcohol, were released to the custody of a parent and guardian. Juvenile referrals were completed for minor say Drury was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he submitted to a certified chemical breath test indicating a blood alcohol content of .160%, which is twice the legal limit. Further investigation revealed that Drury has a prior conviction for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and has never held a valid Indiana driver's license. Sheriff Noah Robinson stated, 'Our Office is working with CSX as they assess the damage to their equipment and tracks. One of their rail yard control switches was struck during the crash.' Wabash County juvenile dies from helium balloon suffocation Law enforcement officials say Drury remains in custody at the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond, pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The VCSO says these are his charges: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangering Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or Higher Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction Neglect of a Dependent Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License Criminal Recklessness Resisting Law Enforcement Disorderly Conduct Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor 'Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man arrested in Mexico after woman's slaying in Santa Paula: VCSO
The man accused of killing a woman in Santa Paula on Saturday has been captured in Mexico, officials say. Christian Hillairet, 24, was arrested in Rosarito, Baja California, on Monday, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Hillairet was identified by the VCSO as the suspected killer of 26-year-old Carolyn Nino De Rivera of Ojai, who was found dead in a residence in the 12000 block of Sisar Road over the weekend. 'United States and Mexican authorities are working on repatriating Hillairet back to the United States where he will be taken into custody by local authorities,' the VCSO said. Anyone with further information about the case has been asked to contact Detective Marco at 805-384-4739. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
THPD and VCSO honor fallen officers with ceremony
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Friday, the Terre Haute community came together to honor city and county law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. Every year, the Terre Haute Police Department (THPD) and Vigo County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) gather to honor 20 fallen police officers from the community. 'They gave the ultimate sacrifice for our community. For their brothers, their sisters, in law enforcement. For family members,' said THPD Lieutenant Justin Sears. During the ceremony, officers were commemorated through prayer, a ceremonial flag folding, a 21-gun salute and a performance of taps. Then the name of each officer and their end of watch date were read out loud to honor their life and community involvement. 'When someone lays their life down for a fellow officer, for a community member, we owe it to them. It's just that simple. We owe it to them, we owe it to their families to remember their legacy, the work they did, the sacrifices they made,' said VCSO Sheriff Derek Fell. It's been over one hundred years since the first fallen officer, but Lieutenant Sears says they are all as equally important. 'There is 20 names we read off today,14 of that from the Terre Haute Police Department, as early as the late 1800s. And, their all as equally important. Equally important to the Terre Haute Police Department and equally important to the Vigo County Sheriff's Office,' said Lieutenant Sears. For Sheriff Fell and Lieutenant Sears, these fallen officers weren't just coworkers, they were friends. 'Three of the city officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, I knew each of them… So it definitely hits home. And I think it does from many of us who have been around and serving for a number of years,' said Sheriff Fell. 'The three statues behind me, Greg, Rob, Brent, are three very good friends of mine. So, it hits home every single day. Especially just coming into work, you see the statues of your friends, but know that they were excellent officers. Some of the best I've ever seen,' said Lieutenant Sears. Today wasn't just about honoring these heroes in our community, Sheriff Fell said, it's about never forgetting them. 'It's a way for us to say thank you again for those who have lost their lives protecting our community. It's also a way to let the family members know, who have lost loved ones, we are still here for you, we have not forgotten about your loved one, and we will never forget about them,' said Sheriff Fell. Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun was also in attendance and read a proclamation declaring next week Police Week to honor our local law enforcement officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested after chase, shooting and manhunt
HENDERSON — A car chase Tuesday night resulted in shots fired and a manhunt that ended 16 hours later. On April 1, at approximately 11:30 p.m., deputies from the Vance County Sheriff's Office assisted the Henderson Police Department in its attempt to apprehend a fleeing suspect. The suspect, identified as Markus Hilliard, fled from HPD officers during a traffic stop. VCSO Deputies assisted due to the pursuit heading into the county. Deputies took over the pursuit once Hilliard turned on Gillburg Road. Hilliard, in an attempt to get around deputies, hit a VCSO vehicle head-on, causing damage to it. The pursuit ended inside Foster Mobile Home Park in close proximity to where Hilliard lived. Hilliard then jumped and ran from the vehicle into a heavily wooded area with an AR-15. While there, he fired 30 shots at law enforcement officials. The VCSO, HPD and North Carolina State Highway Patrolmen set up a perimeter in the area to locate Hilliard. After a few hours, that search was called off. On Wednesday, deputies received information that Hilliard was in the area of Fern Lane and wanted to turn himself in. Deputies went to the location to take Hilliard into custody. He jumped out a window, however, and again fled law enforcement. A perimeter was set by VCSO deputies and officers with the NCSHP, HPD as well as the State Bureau of Investigations and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. After a chase through a nearby wooded area, Hilliard was finally taken into custody by Vance County deputies. The VCSO charged Hilliard with misdemeanor assault on a government official, hit and run failure to stop resulting in property damage, felony fleeing to elude arrest. He received a secured bond of $27,500. The HPD also charged Hilliard with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony fleeing to elude arrest, driving while license revoked, and with resisting a public officer, charges for which he received a secured bond of $60,000. Hilliard was processed and transported to the Vance County Detention Center. He posted bond and released from custody just before 1 p.m. on Thursday.
