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Home Invasion Suspects

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On 1/20/2020, around 8:00 pm, Evansville Police Officers were called about a burglary on SE Second St. near Haynie’s Corner where a black woman knocked on the front door and began asking the victim a few questions.  The victim noticed there was a man with the woman that was standing back on the sidewalk.  Based on the questions the woman was asking and the presence of the man, the victim closed the door because the situation seemed suspicious.  When the victim entered back into the house, a different male subject had entered the back door and was holding the victim’s partner at gunpoint.  The initial victim was able to activate the panic alarm and the subjects fled without taking anything.

Based on the description given by the victim, a possible name for the woman was developed, and on 1/29/2020, around 10:00 pm, she was stopped in a vehicle by EPD VIPER detectives. The vehicle matched a description of a previous home invasion robbery from a few days earlier in the same area, a silver vehicle with driver’s side damage. The driver’s name is Abronna Robinson.  Detectives developed other names of associates of Robinson.  Their names were Jamar Grisby and Deshawndrick Lockridge.  Grisby (18) and a juvenile subject were located later on the 29th.  All three subjects, Robinson, Grisby, and the juvenile, were at EPD headquarters and interviews were conducted by detectives.  

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the subjects conspired to have Robinson (20) knock on the front door of the house and she and Lockridge (20) were going to force their way inside the front of the home and Grisby and the juvenile would force their way into the back at the same time.  

Robinson, Grisby, and the juvenile were incarcerated at the Vanderburgh Co. Jail and Youth Care Center respectively for burglary.  Lockridge was located on 1/30/2020 by VIPER detectives and also charged with burglary.  No charges have yet been filed in relation to the incident that occurred on 1/17/2020 on SE First St. 

Both cases are ongoing investigations and anyone with information please contact the EPD detective office at 812-436-7979 or WeTip. 

 

Marcos Alberto Ambriz Leon, Was Arrested On An Attempted Voyeurism Charge

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    On Monday, January 27th a female called the Evansville Police Department to say that while attempting to use the bathroom at Tres Reynas (920 Main St.), she discovered a cell phone hidden in the soap dispenser that was recording. After discovering the phone, she immediately left the restaurant to call the authorities. 

  The suspect, Marcos Alberto Ambriz Leon, was arrested today on an attempted voyeurism charge (felony).

   Officials with the police department believe that Leon acted alone in this incident and neither the owners nor employees were aware this has been taking place. 

   

Wanted Felon Flees Arrest in a Stolen Vehicle

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An Evansville man wanted on a probation revocation warrant fled from deputies in a stolen vehicle earlier this afternoon.

On Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 12:32 PM Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force as well as members of the Evansville Police Department and Indiana State Police attempted to conduct a felony traffic stop at Southeast Riverside Drive and Chandler Avenue.

The driver and sole occupant, Zachary Tyler Young, was known to have a felony petition to revoke probation warrant out of Vanderburgh County and was driving a stolen vehicle. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, Young fled at a high rate of speed. The pursuit continued onto Pollack Avenue and headed east, later entering Warrick County.

Young lost control of the vehicle in the 5900 block of Willowbrook Court, around one-half mile east of Angel Mounds State Historic Site. The vehicle drove through several residential yards before coming to a stop. Young continued to resist arrest as he was pulled from the vehicle.

After Young was taken into custody, deputies and officers located forty (40) grams of suspected synthetic cannabinoids and 1.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Young was treated at an area hospital for injuries sustained during the arrest and later lodged in the Vanderburgh C

Zachary Tyler Young (pictured above), 24, of Evansville. Resisting Law Enforcement as a Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement as a Class A Misdemeanor, Theft of a Motor Vehicle as a Level 6 Felony, Reckless Driving as a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 6 Felony, Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoids as a Class A Misdemeanor, Driving with a Suspended License as a Class A Misdemeanor

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

USI falls in second half to #15 UMSL

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University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball could not stop 15th-ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis in the second half and lost 73-68 Thursday evening in St. Louis, Missouri.  USI goes to 14-5 overall and 6-5 in the GLVC, while UMSL finishes the evening 19-2, 10-1 GLVC.

The Screaming Eagles never trailed during the opening half, building a 34-26 margin by the intermission after leading by as many as 12 points, 34-22, on the strength of an 11-2 run. USI built the opening stanza lead on the defensive end, holding UMSL to 18.8 percent from the field (6-32) and holding an 18-13 lead in the defensive glass.

USI senior guard/forward Kobe Caldwell paced the Eagles with 11 first place points.

The Eagles maintained the eight-point lead through the first four minutes of the second half when the Tritons rallied with a 13-3 run to take their first lead of the game, 46-44, with 13:06 to play in the game. USI bounced back to tie the game 46-46, setting off a string seven ties and nine lead changes over 10 minutes.

USI junior guard Mateo Rivera gave the Eagles their final lead of the game, 64-62, with a three-pointer with 3:33 left in the game. The Tritons, however, would outscore the Eagles, 11-2, in the final three minutes to snap USI’s winning streak.

For the game, Caldwell added seven second-half points to lead USI and tie a season-high with 18 points. Rivera followed Caldwell and was the only other Eagle to reach double-digits with 13 points.

USI continues the first half of the four-game road swing Saturday at 3 p.m. when it visit Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Lindenwood saw its record go to 8-11 overall and 2-9 in its first season in the GLVC after losing a heartbreaker in overtime to McKendree University, 121-116, at home this season.

The USI-Lindenwood game Saturday will be the first ever meeting between the two men’s basketball programs.

Following Saturday’s game, USI concludes the four-game road swing with visits to Maryville University February 6 in St. Louis and Missouri University of Science & Technology February 8 in Rolla, Missouri.

“IS IT TRUE” JANUARY 31, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?

IS IT TRUE that last nights “EVENING WITH THE COMMISSIONERS 2020” was a rousing financial success? …this political fundraising “GALA” was hosted by Democratic County Commissioners Ben Shoulders and Jeff Hatfield? …that over 300 Democrats, Independents and Republicans packed the downtown Veterans Memorial Coliseum?  …Commissioners Shoulders and Hatfield did a masterful job in co-hosting this event?  …we were taken aback when Commissioner Hatfield made complimentary remarks about Commissioner Shoulders and the entire audiences gave Mr. Shoulders and arousing standing ovation? … after last night event, it’s obvious that anyone considering running against Mr. Shoulders in the upcoming County Commissioner’s race will be taking on a well oiled political machine?

IS IT TRUE that former Evansville CVB Director of Sales Ashley Vezzoso-Schaefer has been recruited by French Lick Resort to lead sales efforts in Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and all of Tennessee? …that Ashley Vezzoso-Schaefer was one of several CVB employees to recently resign after the CVB Board Of Director hired another out of town person to come in to run this struggling not-for-profit organization? ….we wish that Ashley Vezzoso-Schaefer’s success in her new position? …it looks like Evansville loss and French Licks Resort gain?

IS IT TRUE we are hearing that there is a long list of extremely talented and qualified retired and practicing attorneys who will be applying for the Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge position?  …so far the names of two highly qualified people are showing interest in this most prestigious judgeship?  …they are the well known practicing attorney Tom Massey, Magistrate J August Straus, and Magistrate Gary Schutte?

IS IT TRUE yesterday the EVANSVILLE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS approved the following Not-For-Profit Grant Agreements for 2020: Evansville African-American Museum Foundation, Inc in the amount of $14,000. Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, Inc in the amount of $4,500.00. Children’s Center for Dance Education, Inc. in the amount of $1,000.00 Evansville Philharmonic Orchestral Corporation in the amount of $5,500.00. The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, Inc in the amount of $10,000.00. Evansville Symphonic Band Incorporated in the amount of $4,500.00. Keep Evansville Beautiful, Inc in the amount of $3,000.00.  Louis J. Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville, Inc in the amount of $14,000.00.  Leadership Evansville, Incorporated in the amount of $5000.00. The Reitz Home Preservation Society Inc in the amount of $7,000.00. Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging, Inc. d/b/a SWIRCA & More in the amount of $15,000.00.  United Neighborhoods of Evansville, Incorporated in the amount of $48,000.00. Vanderburgh County Humane Society, Inc. in the amount of $1,500.00. WNIN Tri-State Public Media, Inc in the amount of $3,000.00.  Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, Inc in the amount of $9,500.00.  Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce Incorporated d/b/a The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana; of $11,000.00?

IS IT TRUE that the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS recently give the approval to HOPE OF EVANSVILLE to spend $240,000 on the 101 East Tennessee street property?…we wonder why would the Mayor of Evansville give the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS the authority to approve the Not-For-Profit Agreements grants and also award $240,000 to Rehab a dilapidated house located at 101 East Tennessee Street?  …members of the BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS are Marty Amsler-President, Bill Nix-Vice President, and Sharon Walker member?

IS IT TRUE we wonder if you would spend $251,000 of your own money to purchase and renovated a house located at 101 East Tennesse Street, Evansville? …people voting in our “READERS POLL” are saying “Hell No” by astounding numbers?

IS IT TRUE we wonder if the homes referenced in a Newsletter written by Nikki Walle the Director of Financial & Relational Development of HOPE OF EVANSVILLE were some of the overpriced and overbuilt “FRONT DOOR PRIDE” homes constructed in the Haynes Corner area when Jonathan Weinzapfel was Mayor?

IS IT TRUE we recall that some of the “FRONT DOOR PRIDE” homes were hard to sell because of the inflated sales price?  …if our memory serves us correctly most of the “FRONT DOOR PRIDE” homes located in the Haynes Corner area had to be leased in order to keep them from being vacant for a long period of time?

IS IT TRUE that the spokesperson for HOPE Of EVANSVILLE stated in the agency Newsletter that “in addition to the 101 Tennessee single-family rehabilitation project, grants have been secured to helped HOPE Of EVANSVILLE to secure $12 million of additional funds to build 60 units of affordable housing in the community and those 60 units include 30 single-family units and 30 in an apartment complex that will all be affordable”?

IS IT TRUE we hope that HOPE OF EVANSVILLE will hire the fine people at Habitat For Humanity of Evansville to build the 30 single-family units because they know how to build quality and affordable housing for the economically disadvantaged?

IS IT TRUE we got a kick out the public statement made by the Evansville DMD Director that the reason why the house located at 101 East Tennessee Street was selected to receive the $240,000 Rehab grants was that it was a historical home (built-in 1909)?  ..what he forgot to mention was that this home isn’t located in the Historic District?  …he also should have pointed out that HOPE OF EVANSVILLE already has a list of 58 similar dilapidated homes that they currently own throughout Evansville?

IS IT TRUE that HOPE OF EVANSVILLE is a not-for-profit Corporation? …according to their on-line Newsletter members of their current Board Of Directors are:  Paul Baumberger with Kemper CPA Group, Raymond Dudlo with Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, Scott Edmond with Sperry Van Ness, Melissa Kahn with Edward Jones, Ruby McGlown with EHA, Michael McKim with Anchor Industries, Tom Moore with Vectren, Michael Pitts with Old National Bank, John Raisor with Fifth Third Bank, Jacqueline Wilson a Community Volunteer, Regecike Woodard a Community Volunteer?

IS IT TRUE according to a spokesperson for HOPE OF Evansville “through collaboration and hard work, HOPE of Evansville has gained traction to leverage federal funds and local resources in developing under-resourced communities of Evansville”?  …she also stated that “HOPE OF EVANSVILLE, together with the City of Evansville has been approved for a grant of $240,000 by the Board of Public Works. The existing structure at 101 East Tennessee will be rehabilitated to further add to the community development work being conducted by several nonprofits.”  …we wonder why the Evansville City Council didn’t approve this project instead of the Board Of Public Works?

IS IT TRUE  we are extremely disappointed that not one person serving on the 2020 Evansville City Council has made a request to the City Controller to give them a detailed financial accounting of the Evansville Thunderbolts for the last two years?

IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communications at USI for sending current sports happenings at that fine University?

IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty

Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: Would you spend $251,000 of your own money to purchase and renovated a house located at 101 East Tennesse Street?

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE VOTES DOWN HATFIELD ATTEMPT TO LOWER PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICES

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State Rep. Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) today offered an amendment to House Bill 1042 that puts restrictions on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to lower the costs of prescription drugs for Hoosiers.

This amendment eliminates the ability for PBMs to implement any spread pricing techniques, deny a previously accepted claim, reduce payment to a pharmacy for pharmacist services, or pay a pharmacy or pharmacist less than the national average drug acquisition cost for the prescription drug provided by a pharmacist or pharmacy.

“We have to put a stop to high prescription drug prices in Indiana,” said Hatfield. “PBM’s are the middle men between manufacturers and pharmacies. Without any regulations, they have been left to jack up prescription drug prices at the cost of Hoosier lives.”

Spread pricing is a technique used by PBMs in which they charge a plan sponsor a contracted price, but that price differs from what they charge a pharmacy or pharmacist. This model encourages PBMs to purchase more expensive prescription drugs, but offer the drugs to pharmacists at a lower reimbursement rate. As a result, PBMs make more money off of these more expensive drugs even though a cheaper alternative is just as effective.

Smaller pharmacies have been negatively impacted by this issue forcing many to close their doors, which is dangerous for rural areas where pharmacies are scarce.

“Ohio recently passed similar legislation that received bipartisan support and was signed into law by a Republican governor,” continued Hatfield. “This is a critical next step toward reducing health care costs in Indiana.

“We must put restrictions on PBMs to ensure that Hoosiers have access to affordable health care. These entities are a huge factor in our skyrocketing prescription drug prices and they must be stopped now before we lose any more Hoosiers because they are unable to afford their life-saving medication.”

 

FROM CRISIS TO RESOLUTION: SHIFTING OUR FOCUS

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FROM CRISIS TO RESOLUTION: SHIFTING OUR FOCUS

The United States is in the middle of a crisis. A crisis that’s impacting our families and communities and Indiana is at the epicenter: opioid use disorder.

And the Indiana State Museum plans to talk about it.

In a powerful new exhibit—FIX: Heartbreak and Hope Inside Our Opioid Crisis—the Indiana State Museum is committed to finding ways for Indiana communities to come together to shift the conversation and reduce the stigma surrounding opioid use disorder. Our goal is to remove the shame and isolation surrounding this disease showing how all of us can play a pivotal role in finding solutions to this devastating crisis.

Covering 7,000 square feet, FIX Heartbreak and Hope Inside Our Opioid Crisisinvites you to unravel the crisis one step at a time, including the science and biology behind opioid use disorder, our nation’s history with other health crises, personal stories from impacted Hoosiers, and the various roads to recovery. Using a mix of art, science, multi-media, hands-on installations and interactive artwork, the exhibit will help you better understand the nature of addiction, how we got here and what we can all do to help change the course we’re on and move our state from crisis to resolution.

“Substance use impacts our family, friends, and neighbors. That’s why continuing to help more people enter recovery will always remain a top priority. The more we know about the ways it affects people, the better equipped we’ll be to avoid dependence or support someone you love.”

— Governor Eric J. Holcomb —

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS

“This experience has changed my life. Now I see people and think, what happened in their life to put them here? How can I help?”

Inside the exhibit, you’ll be given the opportunity to dive deeper into your own level of understanding when it comes to substance dependence and opioids. You’ll also see how your perceptions and ideas about this crisis compare with others from around the state. What do you know about opioids? How are you impacted by cravings? How does that relate to addiction? Using this baseline of knowledge, you’ll be given the tools you need to start to build empathy for those impacted by this crisis, and ultimately minimize the damaging stigma.

Through hands-on interactives, you’ll explore our society’s relationship with pain management and understand how our bodies use pain sensors to help keep us safe. You’ll also be challenged in an interactive game called CRAVE-BOT, which shows you how your cravings for things like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and even social media can influence your motivations in ways that sometimes overcome your ability to control.

“You’re not dealing with a character defect. You’re dealing with biology.”

Step inside a giant brain and explore the science behind substance use disorder. How do opioids work? What happens when you quit using them? What makes them so powerful? Through a series of animated videos that show how opioids can hijack our neuro-pathways, you’ll discover the chemical changes that are taking place inside the brain and how opioids change your thought and behavioral patterns. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the opioid crisis from a teen’s unique perspective through a powerful adaptation of a theater production developed by the Young Actors Theatre called Love Over Dose, the story of a teenage overdose and its impact on friends, family, and community.

“We have the chance to transform into entirely new, more compassionate human beings with the potential to not only put an end to the opioid crisis but to transform society.”

When it comes to the opioid conversation, learning how to shift your language can have a meaningful impact on reducing the stigma that often prevents people from getting the help they need. Highlighting the power of words, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to engage in interactive conversations providing you with the tools you need to more constructively talk about opioid use disorder. The right words can make all the difference in the world.

“There are multiple pathways to recovery.”

Addressing the four key dimensions of recovery, FIX aims to bring the story home to all four corners of our state. When you see how the crisis (and the stories of recovery) are unfolding across Indiana, you’ll see the trends are shifting. You’ll see the vibrancy of our recovery communities. You’ll learn about how local and state policies have changed, county by county. And how, as a state, we’re beginning to change our attitudes about how we’re addressing this crisis. And that is what gives us so much hope.

It’s our hope to inspire you to think critically and take action when it comes to finding solutions to the crisis within your own community. Along with the exhibit, programming will take place at the museum in downtown Indianapolis, as well as the 11 historic sites statewide addressing the crisis—from panel discussions to town hall-style meetings. The programming will extend beyond the run of the exhibit, for as long as the communities see a need for them.

FRENCH LICK RESORT HIRES ASHLEY VEZZOSO-SCHAEFER

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Continuing to expand its reach throughout the Midwest, French Lick Resort is welcoming two new members to its sales staff.

Ashley Vezzoso-Schaefer and Brittany Kummer have joined the Resort’s 11-member sales staff, bringing with them an extensive background in hospitality and community relations, plus a depth of knowledge about the regions they will be focused on. 

Vezzoso-Schaefer will focus on Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, and Tennessee, and she will be working from her home office in the Evansville area. Likewise, Kummer works out of her home office near St. Louis with her main focus being Missouri along with central and northern Illinois. 

Vezzoso-Schaefer comes to French Lick Resort after 17 years with the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Starting there as a summer intern, she became a Sales Support Manager from 2005-2011 then served as Senior Sales Manager for nearly four years. Vezzoso-Schaefer was named the ECB’s Director of Sales in May 2015, providing direct supervision to convention sales and services and sports sales with leadership support to all other departments of the ECVB and Evansville Sports Complex. 

Vezzoso-Schaefer has also been immersed in nearly a dozen community outreach programs during her time in Evansville. Among those, she has been a board member since 2016 for the Rotary Club of Evansville, and she remains involved with the Ziemer Society for St. Vincent Hospital, of which she’s a founding member. She is also currently active with the Evansville Sports Corporation along with Evansville’s “Funk in the City” art festival. A University of Southern Indiana graduate, Vezzoso-Schaefer was named to Evansville Business Journal’s “Top 20 Under 40” list in 2013.

Kummer brings eight years of sales experience at luxury hotels in the St. Louis area, having served as a Sales Manager at Chase Park Plaza St. Louis, Marriott St. Louis West and Drury. Most recently at the 4-Diamond AAA rated Chase Park Plaza St. Louis, Kummer spent more than three years focusing in the corporate group market with a diverse industry concentration in the markets of accounting, legal, retail, industrial, pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing. 

A University of Missouri graduate, Kummer has also been a member since 2016 with the MPI St. Louis Chapter and currently serves as Director of Member Care.

House Supports McNamara’s Bill Raising Penalty For Causing Crash Involving Emergency Vehicles

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday voted in support of State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill that provides that if a person fails to yield to an emergency vehicle, causing an accident involving serious bodily injury or death, the infraction rises to a level 6 felony.

“As our medics, firefighters and police officers are responding to an emergency, it is essential that drivers pay attention, slow down and safely move out of the way,” McNamara said. “These brave men and women lay everything on the line for our safety, and they need to be able to do their jobs without fear of being injured or killed.”

Former Evansville police officer Allen Gansman testified in the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, chaired by McNamara, on the need for tougher penalties. In 2016, he was left with lifelong injuries when struck by a distracted driver while helping a stranded motorist on the side of the road. The car was traveling at over 50 miles per hour at the time of impact, which destroyed his right leg and left him with injuries from which he will never fully recover.

According to McNamara, it is difficult to prosecute offenders if there are no witnesses, but it is easy to prove something like an injury or death occurred.

“We need to do everything we can to encourage drivers to be aware of first responders, who by virtue of their jobs, are placed in dangerous situations every day,” McNamara said.

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