After reviewing investigative materials surrounding the officer-involved fatal shooting of Juan M. Sanchez outside of Martin’s Super Market on January 27, 2025, it is clear that the use of deadly force by both Cpl. Vandenburg and Patrolman Pasternak was justified. Accordingly, no criminal charges will be filed arising from this matter.
January 27, 2025, was a tragic day in Elkhart County. Benjamin S. Jeffrey (49), and Annasue Rocha (19), both of Elkhart, were killed by a lone gunman at approximately 5:45 pm in the Martin’s Supermarket on East Jackson Boulevard in Elkhart, Indiana. Miss Rocha was an employee of Martin’s. Mr. Jeffrey was a customer at the time of the gunman’s attack.
On November 3, 2024, at around 4:40 a.m., the Elkhart Police Department responded to a shooting with injuries at 754 County Road 3, Elkhart, IN. Upon arrival, officers located a person identified as Romulo Reyes (33 years old) of Elkhart, near the front of the property with an apparent gunshot wound.
In late December of 2023, it was reported that William D. Hensley (43), of Elkhart, was missing. Due to some of the circumstances reported, the Elkhart County Homicide Unit started an investigation, engaging in numerous interviews, searches, and other investigative efforts
On December 13, 2023, the multi-agency Elkhart County Intelligence and Covert Enforcement (ICE) Unit conducted a search warrant on a residence on County Road 117 in Elkhart County after working in collaboration with the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (KANET) from Kent County, Michigan.
On April 28, 2011 Indiana State Trooper White stopped Patrick Austin as he was traveling east along the 80/90 Toll road to conduct a routine vehicle inspection. Austin was driving an extended cab trailer with an attached enclosed trailer containing a black 2008 Rolls Royce Phantom and a white 2007 Mercedes-Benz.
On June 13, 2014 an Elkhart County jury convened in Superior Court 5 convicted Richard Bontrager, age 58, of OWI – endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor. Bontrager pled guilty to battery on a law enforcement officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
On June 4, 2014 an Elkhart County jury found Roger Hartman, of Osceola, St Joseph County, guilty of Strangulation, a Class D felony and Battery, a Class A misdemeanor. The jury convicted Mr. Hartman after hearing evidence Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning regarding an incident in Elkhart County.
On March 3, 2014, after deliberating for less than 15 minutes, a jury convicted Wesley New of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) and Driving While Suspended – Prior, both Class A misdemeanors. Upon being convicted by the jury, New waived his right to a jury for the second phase of the trial and admitted to the Court that he had a prior conviction for OWI within the previous five years, which makes his charge a Class D felony.
On February 27, 2014 defendant Adam White was convicted of one count of Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, a Class C Felony. White stabbed victim Rolando Canchola with a knife approximately one foot in length in the area of Brady Street and Jackson Place on September 10, 2013, while Canchola was outside with friends and other members of the neighborhood.
