Brookville Reel Media

10/06/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2025

Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash on State Road 121

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at approximately 2:44 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Road 121 and Old U.S. Highway 52.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2004 Honda CRV, driven by Samantha R. Forschbach, was pulling onto State Road 121 from Old U.S. Highway 52 when it entered the path of a southbound 2008 Honda motorcycle operated by Bonnie R. Lapham, age 69. The motorcycle collided with the driver’s side of the CRV.

Ms. Lapham, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. Ms. Forschbach was not reported to be injured.

The crash remains under investigation by Deputy Brad Lecher of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. Assisting at the scene were Letts EMS, Laurel Fire Department, and Jolliff Towing.

This marks the 23rd fatal traffic crash in Franklin County since January 2020, resulting in a total of 29 deaths on roadways within Franklin County. According to Indiana State Crash Report data, these crashes have been attributed to a multitude of factors, including driving left of center, unsafe speed, failure to yield, alcohol and/or drug impairment, distracted or inattentive driving, following too closely, and animals in the roadway.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department urges all motorists to speak with their loved ones about the importance of safe driving habits and remaining alert behind the wheel. Every decision made while operating a vehicle can make the difference between life and death.

-Major Gregory M. Mehlbauer, Chief Deputy
Franklin County Sheriff Department

09/29/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Under Investigation in Franklin County

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, along State Road 1 near Blooming Grove.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., deputies and emergency personnel from the Blooming Grove Fire Department were dispatched to the 14000 block of State Road 1. Upon arrival, responders located the driver, identified as Ethan M. Heath, 17, of Laurel, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates Heath’s vehicle was traveling northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it left the east side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a culvert and driveway, went airborne, and rolled multiple times before coming to rest.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Blooming Grove Fire Department, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, the Brookville Police Department, and the Indiana State Excise Police, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

-Major Gregory Mehlbauer, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

09/25/2025

S&W Homes received a Lilly grant for properties on Main Street.

https://www.812noww.com/post/local-blighted-sites-to-be-transformed-through-state-programies

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – Several local projects have been approved for restoration through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC).

09/20/2025

**Update** Christian Perry has been located and is ok. I want to thank everyone who shared this and helped us locate him. **Missing Person**24 year old Christian Perry was reported missing from the Brookville area on 9/19/2025 at 4:30pm. He was last seen in the area of Webers Lane near Whitewater Place wearing grey/blue shorts, a black tee shirt, and a black ball cap. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Christian Perry contact the Brookville Police Department at 765-647-4178.

09/12/2025

Burn ban

09/11/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025

One Fatality Reported in Two-Vehicle Crash at State Road 1 and Rhein Road

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred at approximately 5:17 PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the intersection of State Road 1 and Rhein Road.

The incident involved a 2010 Ford Fusion and a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Preliminary information indicates the Ford Fusion was entering the intersection from Rhein Road when it was struck on the driver’s side by a southbound Toyota Tacoma traveling on State Road 1.

The driver of the Ford Fusion, 81-year-old Rosa Banks of Laurel, Indiana, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger in her vehicle, 33-year-old Robbie Dale Rae, sustained injuries and was treated on scene by emergency personnel. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma, 32-year-old David Tyler Hokey, was not reported to be injured.

At this stage of the investigation, alcohol and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors. The crash remains under investigation by Sgt. Adam Henson.

Assisting at the scene were Letts EMS, Brookville Fire Department, and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

08/02/2025

BREAKING: Former Fayette County chief deputy accused of working as a mole for a drug dealer who ran a multi-million dollar operation.

The dealer called the inside man his "eye in the sky."

Read the story: t.ly/L97q_

07/13/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 11, 2025

Contact: Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

Subject: Arrest Made Following Service of Warrant in Laurel, Indiana
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Franklin County, IN — On the morning of Thursday, July 10, 2025, deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Laurel Police Department, executed an arrest warrant at a residence located at 149 W. Commerce Street in Laurel, Indiana.

During the course of the investigation, a male subject, identified as Jerry Abrams, age 70, was taken into custody without incident. While securing the residence, deputies observed suspected narcotics and drug-related paraphernalia. A search warrant for the property was obtained shortly thereafter.

As a result of the search, approximately 172 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine were located inside the home, along with other items commonly associated with the distribution and use of illegal narcotics.

Abrams was transported to the Franklin County Security Center, where he was held on multiple felony and misdemeanor-level offenses related to drug activity and paraphernalia. The investigation remains ongoing.

The investigating officer in this case is Deputy Chris Maxie. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office will review the full investigative report and determine final charges.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department appreciates the cooperation of the Laurel Police Department in this matter.
_______________________________________________________________________
Released by:
Chief Deputy Gregory Mehlbauer
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

06/29/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2025

Franklin County Sheriff's Deputies Respond to Fatal Crash on West Chapel Road

Franklin County, Indiana – On the evening of Saturday, June 28, 2025, at approximately 6:44 PM, Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area of 27200 West Chapel Road, Rushville, Indiana, for a report of a serious traffic accident. The caller reported that a vehicle had struck a utility pole, a tree, and a residence.

Upon arrival and initial investigation, deputies determined that a red 2007 Chevrolet Impala had been traveling westbound on West Chapel Road at a high rate of speed. The vehicle crested a hill, became airborne, and caused damage to the roadway upon landing. It then veered off the north side of the road, crossed to the south side, and struck a utility pole. The vehicle continued through a grassy area, collided with a tree, and became airborne once again before striking the residence at 27212 West Chapel Road.

Both occupants of the vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was identified as Robert William Leo Dunham, age 49, of Oldenburg, Indiana, and the passenger as Jesse E. Brummett Jr., age 51, of Sunman, Indiana.

Alcoholic beverages were found at the scene, and toxicology results are pending. Based on evidence and witness statements, excessive speed appears to have been a primary factor in the crash.

Franklin County Coroner Brian Baxter responded to the scene and took custody of the individuals. Additional agencies assisting included Letts EMS and the Clarksburg Fire Department.

This release is being provided by Major Gregory Mehlbauer of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation is ongoing.

06/02/2025