Police scanner for Sept. 2

City Police

Three recent property-damage accidents were investigated by Greencastle City Police officers.

-- A 3:32 p.m. accident Wednesday at Washington and Wood streets reportedly spawned an altercation between drivers and resulted in the arrest of a Greencastle woman.

The accident occurred as both Vincent DeFelice, 22, Greencastle, and Jacob Steinmetz, 17, Greencastle, were eastbound on Washington Street and had stopped for a red light at Wood Street.

DeFelice, driving a 1994 Dodge Ram, said he waited for the light to change and as it did, Steinmetz started honking the horn of his 1991 Oldsmobile behind him.

DeFelice drove off but then reportedly stopped his vehicle in the middle of Washington Street where it was struck by the Steinmetz car, Chief Tom Sutherlin reported. Steinmetz said his accelerator stuck and he was forced to swerve, striking the right front tire and fender of the DeFelice vehicle.

Both drivers then exited their vehicles and an argument ensued, police said.

In the aftermath, Leslie R. Clements, 38, who owns the car driven by Steinmetz, was arrested and taken to the Putnam County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement and intimidation.

Chief Sutherlin's report also indicted both drivers would be charged with disorderly conduct and criminal recklessness with a vehicle.

Total damage in the accident was estimated at $2,500-$5,000.

Sutherlin was assisted by Officer Jeff Modlin and Assistant Chief Brian Hopkins.

-- At 8:39 a.m. Thursday, an unoccupied truck was involved in an accident at Jackson and Washington streets.

Frank Schafer, 72, Reelsville, told Sgt. Terry Eastham that he parked his 1984 Datsun pickup on Washington Street and while he was out of the truck, it came out of gear and rolled backward, striking a fire hydrant and lamppost on the southwest side of the square.

Damage was listed at less than $2,500.

-- At 10:04 a.m. Thursday, a two-vehicle mishap was reported at Bloomington and Washington streets.

Stopped northbound on Bloomington Street, Darryl Starr, 62, Greencastle, was driving a 2005 Dodge Dakota, when it was struck from behind by a 2001 Ford Explorer, driven by Karen Speicher, 55, Winamac.

Speicher told Capt. Mike Hanlon that she had the sun's glare in her eyes, making it difficult to see the traffic signal. When she saw the Starr vehicle begin to move forward, she thought traffic was moving and pulled forward, striking the Dakota in the rear when it stopped.

Total damage in the accident was estimated at $5,000-$10,000.

Sheriff's Department

* Aug. 31, 3:06 p.m.: Edward D. Knox, 35, Greencastle, was westbound on SR 240 into Greencastle in a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. James F. Finchum, 67, Stilesville, was stopped southbound on Fillmore Road in a 2008 Dodge Avenger, waiting to turn west on SR 240.

Finchum did not see Knox's vehicle and turned in front of him, deputies said.

Both drivers were treated by Operation Life for injuries.

Damage $5,001-$10,000.

Information included in the Putnam Scanner is taken from reports provided to the Banner Graphic by the Greencastle Police, the Greencastle Fire and the Putnam County Sheriff's departments.

Individuals listed in the blotter have been arrested on probable cause and have not been formally charged. Charging information may change after an initial arrest.

Questions about listed charging information should be directed to the arresting agency.