LCSO LOOKING FOR LOCAL MAN
The Licking County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in locating a 36-year-old man wanted in connection with a shooting this weekend in Eden Township. According to a press release, Saturday around 8:20 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the 10000 block of Purity Road on a shooting and upon arrival found two victims, one suffering from a gunshot wound. Both victims were transported to an area hospital for non life-threatening injuries. Authorities later identified the suspect as James Walter Johnson and that he had fled the scene in a white 2012 GMC Terrain. The SUV was located in Mount Vernon. Johnson is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have any information on Johnson's whereabouts contact your local law enforcement agency.
ROAD RAGE
One person was arrested in Columbus following a road rage incident and shooting in Licking County. Sunday around 12:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 7000 block of North Street Road in McKean Township and learned that the driver of one car fired a gun at the other vehicle. The victim suffered facial injuries, likely from shards of glass. The suspect, whose name has not been released was arrested in Columbus. We will have more information as it becomes available.
E BIKES
With the nicer weather finally upon us folks are seeing more and more E bikes and ATV's on the roadways. During the most recent Newark City Council meeting, 7th Ward Councilwoman Michelle Newman expressed her concerns.
The Newark Police Department has posted information concerning E bikes on their Facebook page.
BALDWIN IS INDICTED
A 52-year-old Iowa man who fled the scene of fatal crash earlier his month has been indicted. Derek Baldwin faces several charges including two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide in the crash that claimed the life of Alan Kissell, of Newark. On Wednesday, April 15, Kissell was driving his tractor on Hebron Road when Baldwin allegedly struck the tractor. Baldwin took off before authorities could arrive on the scene. He remains held on $1 million bond. Baldwin is due back in court on Tuesday, April 28.
CALIFORNIA MAN ACCUSED IN SHOOTING
A 31-year-old California man is in custody accused of opening fire at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington D.C., Saturday night. Cole Thomas Allen is due in court today. Officials stated that Allen targeted administration officials including President Trump.
STAYING SAFE ONLINE
A number of organizations including Connect & Protect are developing educational programs to assist parents in helping to keep children safe while online. CEO/Exec. Dir. Terrence Samuel says its no different from things parents do everyday to keep kids safe.
Samuel said there are tools available for parents to stay informed and engaged in their child’s online activity, they just to know where to find them.
JENKINS IS CHARGED WITH ESCAPE
Calvin Jenkins, the Newark man who escaped from authorities for a short time on Wednesday, has been charged with felony escape. Jenkins, 21, was in Licking Municipal Court for a scheduled hearing and when he was walking back to a sheriff's cruiser he took off. Jenkins was apprehended less than an hour later. His bond has been set at $100,000.
COMMISSIONERS DENY ODOT PROPOSAL
During their meeting on Thursday, the Licking County Commissioners denied a petition from the Ohio Department of Transportation to prohibit motorists from motorists from turning right onto Ohio 16 eastbound from River Road. However, they did so without prejudice, meaning ODOT can bring forth another proposal dealing with SR16 and River Road.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting continues this weekend for the May 5 Primary. For early voting hours visit your board of elections website. There will be no early voting on Monday. As a reminder, mail-in or absentee ballots must be received before or on Election Day by 7:30 p.m. in order to be counted.
NEWARK WOMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY
Jessica Wiles the Newark woman accused of having a large amount of meth was back before a judge this week. Wiles, 35, entered not guilty pleas to one count each of aggravated trafficking and aggravated possession of drugs. Wiles is scheduled to go to trial in July. She remains held on $150,000 bond.
DRUG RANKINGS
With the U.S. having spent over a trillion dollars on the "war on drugs" since the 1970s, the personal-finance company WalletHub has released its report on the States with the Biggest Drug Problems. Ohio has the 7th smallest drug problem in the U.S. The study compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia on 20 key metrics, ranging from drug arrest to overdose rates.