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Created on Tuesday, 11 December 2018 21:43

UPDATE OF FATAL CRASH ON US 231 AT STATE ROAD 16 ON OCTOBER 10, 2018

Through the ongoing investigation by Jasper County Sheriff’s Detectives, a warrant was issued on the 20^th of November 2018 for Joseph W. Bland, age 43 of Terre Haute, Indiana on the charge of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, Level 5 Felony. 

Bland had been identified during the follow up investigation as the operator of the white semi that failed to stop at the intersection and resulted in the death of Melissa Deno of Rensselaer, Indiana. 

On Saturday, December 8, 2018 at approximately 12: 50 P.M. Joseph Bland surrendered himself at the Jasper County Law Enforcement Detention Center on the warrant and posted a $1,500.00 cash bond.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Detectives had sought a charge of Reckless Homicide; however this was reduced to the issued warrant upon review by the previous prosecuting attorney.  The investigation continues by Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

By Terry J. Risner Sheriff