Washington County Indiana Sheriffs Department

09/21/2026

It's Child Passenger Safety Week! Studies show most car seats aren't installed or used correctly, so it's a great time to double-check yours.

Make sure you're covered:
✅ Rear-facing as long as possible (birth-2)
✅ Forward-facing with harness (2+)
✅ Booster seat until the seat belt fits right (usually 8-12)
✅ Back seat + seat belt once it fits (usually 13+)

A few minutes now can make a big difference for your child's safety on the road.

09/19/2026

Today is Thank a Police Officer Day. Our officers work nights, weekends and holidays, often sacrificing time with their own families to keep ours safe.

We’re grateful for their service and the sacrifices they make every day.

09/11/2026

On this 25th anniversary, we pause to remember the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, the survivors whose lives were forever changed, and the heroes who ran toward danger when our nation needed them most.

Their courage, sacrifice, and selflessness continue to inspire the men and women who put on the uniform and serve our communities every day.

We will never forget.

08/31/2026

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, at approximately 5:00 pm, members of emergency services were dispatched to the area of 8459 E. Blue River Road in reference to a motorcycle crash.

Evidence and statements gathered at the scene indicate that Jason Smith, age 45 of Corydon, Indiana was traveling eastbound on Blue River Road, when a deer jumped out of the ditch. Smith stated he applied his brakes to avoid the deer, but the deer struck the front of the motorcycle.

Smith said he tried to keep the motorcycle from flipping over but was unable to. Smith said the motorcycle flipped over and he and his passenger were ejected. The passenger was identified as Brooke McKinley, age 41 of Sellersburg, Indiana. Despite life saving measures, McKinley was pronounced deceased on scene by the Washington County Ambulance Service.

Smith was transported to St. Vincent Hospital of Salem, Indiana for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing helmets.

Captain Joseph Keltner is the lead investigator and was assisted by Deputy Ryan Ater, members of the Indiana State Police, Washington County Ambulance Service, Pierce/Polk Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Washington County Coroner’s Office.

08/27/2026

INJURY ACCIDENT

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at approximately 3:37 pm, members of emergency services were dispatched to the area near 6335 West U.S. Highway 150, Fredericksburg, Indiana for a single vehicle, rollover accident.

Evidence and statements gathered at the scene by deputies indicate Terry Shoemaker, age 45 of Hardinsburg, Indiana was traveling west on U.S. Highway 150, driving a red Ford Explorer. Amanda Bowling, age 39 of Hardinsburg, IN was a passenger in Shoemaker’s vehicle.

Shoemaker stated there were several vehicles stopped in the roadway and that he applied his brakes, causing them to lock up. Shoemaker said his vehicle slid sideways in the roadway, before traveling off the roadway and rolling onto a fence. Shoemaker said he was ejected from the vehicle, while Bowling remained in the vehicle.

Shoemaker was transported by EMS to University of Louisville hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Bowling was released from the scene.

K-9 Officer Paul Reyling is the lead investigator and was assisted by Lt. Joe Johnson, Sgt. Matt Hein and members of the Washington County Ambulance Service, Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department and Livonia Volunteer Fire Department.

Photo provided by: K-9 Officer Reyling

08/18/2026

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8172026Washington County Traffic Safety Partnership to increase impaired driving ...

08/17/2026

Tractor Accident

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, at approximately 5:22 pm, deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the intersection of North State Road 39 and Power Line Road, in reference to a tractor that had turned over on the operator.

Operator statements and evidence gathered at the scene indicate that Jerry Radcliff, age 71 of Scottsburg, Indiana was bush hogging at the intersection of North State Road 39 and Power Line Road, operating a John Deere tractor with a bush hog. The tractor appeared to lose traction and rolled over on its top, in the ditch line with Jerry Radcliff underneath.

Radcliff was transported by Air Methods medical helicopter to the University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky for treatment of his injuries.

Lieutenant Joe Johnson is the lead investigator and was assisted by Detective Brad Naugle, the Washington County Ambulance Service and members of the Gibson Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Photo provided by Lt. Johnson.

08/06/2026

School buses are back on the road, and keeping our kids safe is a responsibility we all share. Slow down and stop when lights are flashing, watch for children at bus stops, and give buses plenty of room to load and unload safely.

Parents, walk your younger kids to the stop and review bus safety rules together. A little patience and awareness from all of us can prevent tragedy.

08/03/2026

"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" is more than a slogan, it's a warning. Impaired driving puts you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk. Plan a safe ride home, designate a sober driver, or call a cab. Don't take the chance.

07/07/2026

It's the first Tuesday of the Month! That means tornado sirens will be tested at noon today. Let everyone know!! Please do not call 9-1-1 to ask why the sirens are going off.