Wells County Sheriff's Office

10/16/2026

Cops and Kids (Shop-with-a-COP) Applications are live. They must be turned in by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

'TIS THE SEASON! We are accepting applications for our 2026 Cops & Kids Christmas Shopping. If you know of any Wells County school age (8-15) children or families in need (whether struggling financially, going through a major disaster like a fire, family members with medical problems, or who could benefit from a positive interaction with law enforcement), apply now!

You MUST complete an application/nomination form. Application forms MUST be submitted by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. Forms can be turned in at the Bluffton Police Department, Wells County Sheriff's Office, Ossian Police Department, Zanesville Police Department, Markle Police Department, to any police officer in Wells County, or e-mailed to us at [email protected]. A committee will go through the applications to select the number of participants the funding allows. Priority will be give to those who haven't participated before.

Here is a link to the application for easier access.

WORD: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_O-G4_R8E1kP_oB3kCqmndUZRF3MPkAo/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111173522109153852658&rtpof=true&sd=true

PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZWux8sZ8HLMS6fE4if_1rKCUTxYlcP9/view?usp=drive_link

10/13/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sheriff Holliday and Jennifer Rohlf from the YWCA met with Bluffton Mayor Scott Mentzer and Bluffton City Councilman Rick Elwell on the podcast Parlor City Voice to talk about domestic violence awareness.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to tell us a littl...

10/08/2026

OCTOBER EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT - We’d like to take an opportunity to recognize our employees with October work anniversaries. Thank you for what you do for the community!

10/06/2026

Please welcome our newest deputy Bryan Hernandez. Deputy Hernandez is a Blackford High School graduate and has spent last two years working in the jail where he was the third shift Sergeant.

10/05/2026

The Sheriff’s Office has received a report of a suspected rental scam involving a local residence.

An unknown individual placed an unauthorized rental sign at the property and advertised the residence for rent online. The individual reportedly provided information about the residence and offered it for $900 per month — approximately $600 below the legitimate rental rate. The property was also advertised on TikTok without the property owner’s authorization.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to verify ownership or property management information before providing money or personal information for a rental property. Be especially cautious of unusually low rental prices, social media listings, and requests for payment before viewing or verifying a property.

Property owners are encouraged to periodically check their properties and online rental listings for unauthorized advertisements.

⚠️ If you encounter a suspicious rental listing, do not send money or provide personal information. Contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident.

Please share this information to help protect others in our community.

10/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE: SOUTHERN WELLS BOMB THREAT

A juvenile was taken into custody for the bomb threat at Southern Wells Community Schools. Because this is a juvenile investigation no further information will be released. There is no threat to the students, staff, or the public.

10/01/2026

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence can impact anyone regardless of race, age, gender, religion, or economic status. This month brings us an opportunity to bring the issue to the forefront, advocate for change, and celebrate survivors.

09/30/2026

Press Release: Bomb Threat at Southern Wells Community Schools

09/24/2026

Way to go Marlee!

"During recent flooding in our area, Norwell High School student Marlee came upon a vehicle that was submerged in water in the ditch. Marlee discovered that an 85-year-old subject was trapped in the vehicle. Marlee retrieved a blanket from her vehicle and threw one end to the trapped driver. Marlee helped pull the individual out of the water to safety!

Marlee - The staff at Norwell High School and Deputy Gerz are extremely proud of you! Your quick thinking and actions have made an incredible impact. Thank you for your sacrifice and willingness to help someone in a dangerous situation! Great job!" SRO Andrew Gerz, Wells County Sheriff's Office, Indiana.

All NASRO Members have access to "You've Been Caught Doing a Good Deed" certificates to help build relationships with students by recognizing them for positive interactions and contributions at school. Email your "Good Deed" story to [email protected].

09/20/2026

UPDATE: The press release from the Indiana State Police mistakenly put August instead of September. This happened in the early morning hours of September 19.

For immediate release, we are sharing the following press release issued by the Indiana State Police regarding the death that occurred at the Wells County Jail.

The investigation is being conducted by the Indiana State Police to provide an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the death. The Wells County Sheriff’s Office is fully cooperating with the investigation and will defer to the investigating agency regarding additional information and findings.