MT. CARMEL, Ill. - The police report for the past several days involves an alleged altercation at the cafe on the campus at Wabash Valley College, this between two out-of-area kids.
That incident occurred Monday, February 6, when Mt. Carmel Police were called to the Red Cafe at Wabash Valley College reference a fight. When officers arrived on scene they were told that two students were involved in a physical altercation inside of the Red Cafe. After taking witness statements, both students were arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery. The students were identified as Donte Smith, 21 of Chicago, and Kechelle K. Figueroa, 20, of New Orleans. Smith was also served a Wabash County warrant for Failure to Appear on a hit and run. Both subjects were being held in the Wabash County Jail pending the setting of bond. Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Illinois State Police and the Wabash County Sheriff's Office.
In other police activity for Mt. Carmel City Police, on that same day they arrested David M. Blanchette, 28, of Mt. Carmel after a vehicle he was riding in was stopped by police. The arresting officer recognized Blanchette in the back seat of the vehicle and knew he was wanted on a Wabash County warrant. Blanchette was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was served the failure to appear warrant. Blanchette was held pending the posting of $200 cash bond.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Matthew R. Blair, 29, of Lawrenceville after he was stopped for driving on a suspended driver's license. The arresting officer reported seeing Blair operating a 2006 Pontiac in the 700 block of Market Street and knew Blair to be suspended. A traffic stop was initiated and Blair was taken into custody. Blair was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued a citation for driving suspended.
Also on that same day, a Mt. Carmel resident was taken into custody after she arrived intoxicated at the Mt. Carmel Police Department requesting to be arrested. Police attempted to get the female help and even provided her a ride to a relative's residence. When officers arrived at the family member's home, they noticed the female subject with a lighter trying to ignite the back seat of the squad car. The female subject then began to fight with the police officers. The female subject was identified as Whitney O. Willett, 27, of Mt. Carmel. Willett was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with aggravated assault, resisting a peace officer, and criminal damage to government-supported property. Willett was being held pending the posting of bond.
Then yesterday, February 8, Mt. Carmel Police responded to an altercation during the Lady Warriors basketball game. During the altercation an Olney Central Player, Andresha M Smith, 19, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was observed throwing punches at a Wabash Valley College player. Mt. Carmel Police had intervene and arrested Smith for disorderly conduct. Video of the altercation will be reviewed and the incident is still under investigation.
And if you have ever wanted to be a cop and get in on the action as in the situations listed above (but, on the right side of the law, of course) the Mt. Carmel Police Department is accepting applications for entry level police officer. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, minimum age of 21, possess valid driver's license, minimum a high school graduate, college degree preferred. Applicants must pass the following: an extensive background check, a medical examination, a physical agility test, a written examination, and an oral interview. Application packets may be picked up at the Mt. Carmel Police Department located at 120 East 4th Street and must be returned to Mt. Carmel City Hall no later than 4:30 p.m., February 20th, 2017.