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Sheriff reports slight drop in calls, rise in crashes; warns residents about scams and previews roadwork
Summary
At the July 9 LaPorte County Sheriff's Merit Board meeting, the sheriff reported a 4% month-to-month drop in calls for service, a 14% increase in crash reports and an 18% drop in traffic stops; he cited ongoing INDOT work along US 20 and warned residents about scams targeting the elderly.
The LaPorte County Sheriff (unnamed) told the county Sheriff’s Merit Board on July 9 that calls for service decreased 4% between May and June, from 2,376 to 2,277, while crash reports rose 14%, from 78 to 89. He said traffic stops declined 18%, from 905 to 746, and noted a year-to-date increase in total calls compared with 2024 (13,281 this year versus 12,727 last year).
The sheriff linked some congestion issues to construction and local development, saying the Indiana Department of Transportation has begun a widening project on US 20 from US 35 East to the Dogbone Interchange that will add a center turn lane on that stretch. He told the board that traffic volume tied to an Amazon data center contributes to the corridor’s congestion and that officials met on July 1 with INDOT, the Indiana State Police, the Saint Joe County Sheriff’s Office and Rep. Jim Pressell to discuss possible safety improvements.
The sheriff also warned of a recent “rash of scams and thefts” in the county, saying officers have taken reports of scams that have cost elderly residents thousands of dollars. He advised residents: "If it sounds too good to be true, hang up and just ignore the call." He also urged people to lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside.
In community updates, the sheriff highlighted outreach and event staffing: Fridays with Family Express, the 5K "Jake and Bolt for the Heart" fundraiser on Saturday, July 26 at 8 a.m. in Fox Park (proceeds to buy AEDs for patrol cars), deputies’ work at the LaPorte County Fair, and preparations for the Great Lakes Grand Prix in August. He also noted the office’s annual budget hearings set for July 14 at 9 a.m. and said the sheriff's office expects a pension obligation increase of $55,718 for 2026.
The sheriff read a commendation from County Park Director Jeremy Sebecki praising deputies Sikorsky, Smith and Needles for addressing repeated vandalism at Bloom Park restrooms, and said charges will be filed in that case.
The board was reminded that the next meeting is scheduled for August 13 at 9 a.m.
