Daviess County Sheriff

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

NEWS RELEASE October 19, 2026

Fatal Traffic Accident

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, at approximately 2:46 p.m., Daviess County Central Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a two-vehicle traffic accident on State Road 57 near County Road 700 South.

Upon arrival, first responders determined that a northbound 2022 Chevrolet had lost control and struck a southbound 2017 Dodge minivan.

The driver of the minivan was identified as 62-year-old Melinda Pea of Monroe City. All three occupants of the minivan were transported to the hospital for treatment. One passenger, 9-year-old Keith Walton of Monroe City, was airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Further investigation revealed that the driver of the Chevrolet was 25-year-old Jacob Sisco of Washington. Sisco showed signs of impairment and was transported to Daviess Community Hospital for chemical testing. Following testing, Sisco was placed under arrest and transported to the Daviess County Security Center. He was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Resulting in Death.

Sisco was not injured in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation, and accident reconstruction is ongoing.

Assisting agencies included: the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Daviess Community Hospital Ambulance Service, Washington Township Fire Department, Veale Township Fire Department, Indiana State Police, Daviess County Coroner’s Office, Marion County Coroner’s Office, Pike County Ambulance, and Countryside Towing.

09/28/2026

September 28th, 2026
News Release

Fatal Traffic Accident

On Monday September 28, 2026, Daviess County Central Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a traffic accident at approximately 7:19 A.M. The accident was reported to be on Highway 57 South near Bethany Christian Church. When first responders arrived, it was discovered a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder had driven left of center and struck a 2021 Kenworth fuel truck registered to Premier Ag Co op Inc.

The driver of the Nissan was identified to be 60 year old Tracie M
Shipwash from Linton, IN. Shipwash was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Daviess County Coroner's Office.

No other injuries were reported. The accident remains under investigation.

Assisting include - Daviess County Sheriff's Office, Daviess Community Hospital Ambulance, Washington Township Fire Dept, Washington City Fire Dept, Washington City Police, Indiana State Police, Daviess County Coroner's Office, and Briggeman's Towing

09/15/2026

Every season in Daviess County brings its own rhythm; some quiet, some demanding, and some where the weight just feels heavier than usual.

If you are going through a tough stretch, carrying heavy stress, or feeling overwhelmed right now, we want you to hear this clearly: You are not alone, and your story matters.

Asking for support isn't a sign of weakness; it’s just taking care of yourself, the same way you’d take care of an injury, assist a neighbor when they're down on their luck, or how you'd help out on the farm when staffing is a challenge. Across our rural community, neighbors, families, and individuals face real challenges every single day, and reaching out for help is an acceptable, brave, and practical step forward.

There are people trained, ready, and eager to listen without judgment -- any time of day or night. You don't have to carry it all by yourself and this community cares for you. If you or somebody you know is struggling, please pass along the following resources for support:

Free, confidential resources available 24/7:

• Call or Text: 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)
• Text: HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 (or text 838255)
• Agricultural/Farmer Resource Network: Call 1-800-251-1184 (Farm Aid Hotline) or 988

Whether you just need a confidential voice on the phone, someone to text late at night, or guidance on taking the next step to healing and finding hope, help is always within reach. Let’s keep normalizing the conversation around mental well-being in Daviess County.

Posted in partnership by the Daviess County Coroner's Office, Daviess County Sheriff's Office, and the Daviess Co. Department of Health.

09/03/2026

NEWS RELEASE

September 3, 2026

On September 3, 2026, at approximately 10:47 a.m., Daviess County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from the Decker residence, located at 4831 South State Road 57, Washington, Indiana, reporting that a male subject had been located in their swimming pool.

Daviess County Sheriff's Office deputies, along with fire personnel from the Veale Volunteer Fire District, responded to the residence. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located 82-year-old Melvin Robinson, of 4856 South State Road 57, Washington, Indiana, deceased in the pool.

Preliminary information indicates that Mr. Robinson, who lived across the highway from the Decker residence, may have become disoriented and entered the pool sometime after approximately 9:15 a.m.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted with assistance from the Daviess County Coroner's Office, and Daviess Community Hospital Ambulance Service.

08/21/2026

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Nathan Cox on his graduation from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy!

We are proud of his dedication and commitment to serving the citizens of Daviess County. We wish Deputy Cox a safe, successful, and rewarding career in law enforcement. Congratulations, Deputy Cox!

08/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8-18-2026
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office to increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day

DAVIESS COUNTY — As summer winds down, the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers statewide will work overtime beginning August 19 through September 7, 2026, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“Our officers are seeing the consequences of impaired driving far too often,” said Sheriff Gary Allison. “As we enter the final weeks of summer, we’re asking every driver to make responsible decisions. A sober ride isn’t just the safest option—it’s the choice that saves lives.”

Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in 2025, nearly 23% of Indiana’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol, and more than 41% involved drug impairment.

“Impaired driving continues to be one of the most serious threats on our roadways, and we’re focused on reducing these tragedies through education and enforcement,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reminds everyone that impaired driving is preventable. When you choose a sober ride, you’re helping protect your community and ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

Have a Plan Whether You're Driving, Riding, or Hosting:
• Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home.
• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they've been drinking.
• If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911. Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, administered by ICJI, is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

07/29/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lynn Police Department as they mourn the line-of-duty death of Town Marshal Brad Fisher.

Marshal Fisher dedicated 25 years of selfless service to his community, serving as a police chief, school resource officer, volunteer firefighter, EMT, and baseball coach. His commitment to protecting, serving, and mentoring others left a lasting impact on countless lives.

We extend our deepest condolences to Marshal Fisher's family, the members of the Lynn Police Department, and the entire Lynn community during this difficult time. May they find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead.

Rest easy, Marshal Fisher. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

07/23/2026

**Life Saving Awards**

Yesterday, several members of the Daviess County Sheriff's Office and Daviess County Central Dispatch were honored with Lifesaving Awards at the Indiana Sheriff's Association Conference in French Lick, Indiana, in recognition of their courage, professionalism, and commitment to serving others.

**Deputy Tyler Ramsey** was recognized for his bravery and quick actions during a water rescue in July 2025. While responding to the emergency, Deputy Ramsey contacted an acquaintance who lived near the river and was able to quickly launch a boat onto the White River. His swift response ultimately resulted in the successful rescue of a 10-year-old child.

**Deputy William Webster** received a Lifesaving Award for his response to an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. Deputy Webster was called in off duty to use his department-issued drone, help was needed in tracking the individual who was in a large field. Prior to launching the drone, the person was located by another responding deputy. Deputy Webster arrived to help and applied tourniquets and bandaged wounds until EMS arrived.

**Daviess County Central Dispatcher Sylvester Maang** was honored for his outstanding work during a call for a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Sylvester remained on the phone with the caller for more than three hours, demonstrating exceptional patience, professionalism, and composure while assisting law enforcement in bringing the situation to a safe resolution.

**Corrections Officers Jason Baker, Angela Divine, Claude Williams, and Owen McCracken** were also presented with Lifesaving Awards for their actions in responding to a call of a fellow corrections officer down. Without hesitation, they answered the call of "officer down," quickly removed their coworker from danger, rendered aid, and summoned emergency medical assistance. Their immediate response played a critical role in their coworker's recovery.

The Daviess County Sheriff's Office is extremely proud of these dedicated public servants and of all the men and women who serve our community. They wear the badge with pride, honor, and integrity, and their unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Daviess County is evident every day.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals on this well-deserved recognition.