06/19/2026
There’s nothing better than being at the ballpark.
The Evansville District has the best seat in the house today.
It’s a beautiful summer afternoon in Indianapolis as teams take the field for the National Anthem before the IHSAA Baseball State Finals.
The Indiana State Police is proud to partner with the IHSAA at many championship events throughout the year. Days like today are a great reminder of what high school sports are all about: teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, and community pride.
Good luck to all of the teams competing today and tomorrow as they chase an IHSAA State Championship.
Let’s play some ball! ⚾️
06/19/2026
What a day it was for Evansville District professional staff at yesterday’s Indiana State Police Promotion, Reassignment, and Longevity Ceremony held in Indianapolis!
Congratulations to Indiana State Police Forensic Scientist Supervisor Mallory Rafferty on her recent promotion to Latent Print Supervisor within the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division.
A graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and Purdue University, Mallory began her career with the Indiana State Police in December 2012 as a forensic scientist specializing in latent print examinations. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. In 2023, she was recognized as the Indiana State Police Forensic Scientist of the Year.
In her new role, Mallory leads a team of nine analysts assigned to ISP Regional Laboratories in Lowell, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville. She oversees statewide latent print operations, provides leadership and mentorship to forensic professionals, and helps ensure the delivery of high-quality forensic services to law enforcement agencies across Indiana.
“This promotion reflects Mallory’s exceptional performance, professionalism, and dedication,” said Comparative Sciences Section Supervisor Marcus Montooth. “She has earned this opportunity, and I am confident she will excel as our new Latent Print Identification Unit Supervisor.”
Mallory’s promotion reflects years of hard work, expertise, and service to both the Indiana State Police and our law enforcement partners throughout the state. She and her husband, Senior Trooper Ross Rafferty of the Evansville District, are both proud members of the Indiana State Police family.
The Evansville District congratulates Mallory on this well deserved achievement and wishes her continued success in her new leadership role.
06/19/2026
Today, during the Indiana State Police Promotion, Reassignment, and Longevity Ceremony in Indianapolis, Kara Sparks was recognized for 30 years of dedicated service with the Evansville District.
Kara began her career with the Indiana State Police Evansville District in April 1996 as a Data Input Operator, entering citations, warnings, and other reports by hand long before today’s computerized systems.
Over the past three decades, Kara has been a constant and valued presence at the Evansville District, supporting generations of troopers, supervisors, and employees with professionalism, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of the Indiana State Police. Her impact has been felt across the district, and her service has positively influenced the many people she has worked alongside throughout her career.
Today, Kara serves as the Evansville District Secretary, a role in which she provides invaluable support to the daily operations of the district and its personnel.
Service to the Indiana State Police runs deep in Kara’s family. Her father, Terry Hedges, retired as an Indiana State Police District Squad Sergeant after more than 30 years of service. Having grown up around the Indiana State Police, Kara has spent a lifetime connected to the agency and proudly continuing that family tradition.
“Kara continues to play a vital role in the daily operations at the Evansville District,” said Evansville District Commander Lieutenant Bill Gadberry. “In addition to her normal duties, she is inevitably the person we all turn to when we need something. She has a hand in so much of what occurs at our district and treats everyone like family that it is hard to imagine what it would be like without her.”
Please join us in congratulating Kara on this remarkable milestone and thanking her for 30 years of faithful service to the Indiana State Police and the citizens of Indiana.
06/17/2026
🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨
Recently, the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne District warned the public about scam calls from individuals falsely claiming to be “Sergeant Brian Walker” with the Indiana State Police. We have now received reports that this same scam has reached the Evansville District area.
⚠️ THIS IS A SCAM. ⚠️
The caller claims to be “Sergeant Brian Walker” with the Indiana State Police and asks for money. Remember: no law enforcement agency will call you and ask for money.
If you receive one of these calls:
✅ Hang up immediately.
✅ Do not provide personal or financial information.
✅ Do not send money.
✅ Contact the Indiana State Police Evansville District at (812) 867-2079 if you are unsure whether a call is legitimate.
Please share this post to help protect your family, friends, and neighbors from becoming victims of this scam.
🚨SCAM ALERT🚨
Apparently scammers have been calling people claiming to be “Sergeant Brian Walker” with the Indiana State Police and asking for money. THIS IS A SCAM!!
No law enforcement agency will call you and ask for money. If anyone calls you and asks for money, or claims you will go to jail if you do not pay money, IT IS A SCAM!! Hang up the phone, and if you are in doubt, contact us at (260)432-8661 and confirm the information. Or feel free to stop by the post and ask for guidance.
06/17/2026
Indiana State Trooper Injured After Being Struck Along US 41
Knox County, IN – On June 16, 2026, at approximately 6:13 p.m., Master Trooper Brett Pool was on US 41 near Decker when he and his fully marked Indiana State Police Commission were struck by a northbound SUV.
The vehicle was being driven by Anna Elkins, 33, of Vincennes. At the time of the crash, Trooper Pool was standing outside of his patrol vehicle. Elkins did not report any injuries as a result of the crash.
Trooper Pool was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and no criminal charges have been filed. Elkins was cited for Unsafe Lane Movement.
The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists to remain alert, avoid distractions, and use caution when approaching emergency vehicles and other roadside hazards. Drivers should slow down and move over whenever possible to help ensure the safety of first responders and all individuals working along Indiana roadways.
Investigating Officer: Detective Nick Hatfield
Assisting in the Crash were: Sergeant Kevin Brown, Sergeant Seth Rainey, Trooper Brock Buchanan, Trooper Gage Cummings, The Knox County, IN Sheriff’s Office, Johnson Township Fire Department, Good Samaritan EMS, and Troy’s Towing
06/08/2026
Yesterday, 60 men and women that make up the 90th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy reported to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy to begin training to become Indiana State Troopers. They will begin the rigorous training it takes to be called an Indiana State Trooper.
Troopers from each district came to the Academy to meet them and their families for Blue Sunday.
We wish all of them the best as training begins.
06/08/2026
Westphalia Man Arrested for Child Molesting
Knox County – On Sunday morning, June 7, Indiana State Police arrested Caden Barrett, 20, of Westphalia, following a criminal investigation into allegations that he molested a 13-year-old girl at a residence in Westphalia.
The investigation began after Indiana State Police assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in locating the 13-year-old girl, who had been reported missing the previous evening. During the course of the investigation, detectives interviewed Barrett at the Knox County Jail. Information obtained during the preliminary investigation led detectives to believe Barrett had molested the juvenile.
Barrett was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Knox County Jail, where he remains incarcerated on bond.
Arrested and Charges:
• Caden E. Barrett, 20, Westphalia, IN
1. Child Molesting, Level 3 Felony
Investigating Officers: Detective Nick Hatfield & Trooper Tanner Hurley, Indiana State Police
Assisting in the investigation were Sergeant Matt Jacobs, Master Trooper Brett Pool, Trooper Blake Marsee, Trooper Gage Cummings, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
06/02/2026
Road closure planned for State Road 62 in Warrick County
WARRICK COUNTY IN – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 62 in Warrick County.
Beginning on or around Monday, June 8, crews will close S.R. 62 near Degonia Springs. This closure will occur between State Road 161 and Maurer Road.
This road closure will allow for a box structure replacement project. This closure is expected to last through the end of July, depending on the weather.
The official detour for this project is State Road 161 to State Road 66 to State Road 61. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.
05/28/2026
Several Month Investigation Leads to Petersburg Man Being Charged for Dealing
Pike & Spencer Counties - In January 2026, the Drug Enforcement Section of the Indiana State Police, with the assistance of United States Postal Service, initiated an investigation into the alleged distribution of suspected narcotics.
As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant through Pike County was issued on May 22, 2026, for Trevor C. Adkins on charges related to Dealing Methamphetamine and Dealing Controlled Substances.
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, officers located a black 2025 Buick SUV, driven by Adkins on US 231 in Spencer County. The vehicle was stopped, and Adkins was taken into custody on the Pike County warrant. During the encounter, officers observed indicators of possible criminal activity. A K-9 unit conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle and gave positive alert for the presence of narcotics.
Following the positive K-9 alert, officers searched the vehicle and located suspected ma*****na and drug paraphernalia. Trooper also observed visible signs of impairment while speaking with Adkins. Adkins was transported to Perry County Memorial Hospital in Tell City for a chemical test before being transported to the Spencer County Jail. Adkins is being held without bond on Spencer County charges pending extradition to Pike County.
Later that evening, investigators executed a search warrant at Adkins’ residence in Petersburg, Indiana, where approximately 3 ounces of suspected ma*****na, ma*****na wax, THC vapes, and paraphernalia were located.
Throughout the course of the investigation, officers additionally seized approximately four ounces of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 300 suspected controlled-substance pills, including approximately 224 grams of suspected Xanax and 14 grams of suspected Adderall. This investigation highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in combating the distribution of dangerous narcotics within local communities.
Investigating Officers: Master Trooper Doug Francis, Master Trooper Paul Stolz, Master Trooper Trey Lytton, Trooper Connor Giesler, and Trooper Kayla Denk-Mundy.
Assisting in the arrest and investigation: US Marshall’s Service, United States Postal Service, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, and Dubois County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrested and Preliminary Charges:
Trevor C. Adkins, 32, Petersburg, IN
Pike County Charges:
• Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony (2 Counts)
• Dealing a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Level 3 Felony
• Dealing a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Level 5 Felony (2 Counts)
• Dealing a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Level 6 Felony (2 Counts)
• Possession of Ma*****na – Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
Spencer County Charges:
• OVWI – Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Ma*****na – Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
05/27/2026
We’ve received a lot of questions about the lateral process, so here’s a quick breakdown of some important updates.
If you’re interested in joining Indiana State Police through the lateral academy route, this post is for you!
Applications open now!