Full Notification

On June 26, 2025, at 9:58 a.m. Multiple law enforcement officers went 207 West Cherry Street in Patoka as part of an ongoing drug investigation.  Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Wes Baumgart observed 57-year-old Van Shanks of Patoka get up from the porch and attempt run inside.  Deputies gave loud verbal commands to Mr. Shanks announcing that they were law enforcement and to stop.  Deputies forced entry into the residence and placed Mr. Shanks into custody and continued their investigation.  At the conclusion of their investigation, Deputies had seized 5.3 grams of Methamphetamines, a firearm with an altered serial number, and 6.4 grams of Marijuana.  Mr. Shanks was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with:
 
Dealing in a controlled substance
Possession of Methamphetamines
Possession of Firearm with Altered Serial Number
Resisting Law Enforcement
 
Lead Officers were Deputy Wes Baumgart and Pike County Detective Scott Arnold. 
 
Assisting Officers were Deputies U.B. Smith, Bryan Small, and Jim Tucker.
 
 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.