Traffic incidents keep Parke County deputies busy

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 4:46 PM

By Paul Gable

A pair of traffic incidents kept Parke County Sheriff's Deputies busy this week, as they investigated a man on a 4-wheeler who attempted to flee and a road rage incident.

In the first incident, James W. Sheckler, 41, Hillsboro, found himself in the Putnam County Jail after deputies observed him operating a 4-wheeler at a high rate of speed on Melon Road, where he disregarded a stop sign. A deputy attempted a traffic stop, but Sheckler refused to stop. Instead, he rode the 4-Wheeler through a yard and stopped at the back door of a residence, where he entered and was then arrested. He was charged with a Level 6 felony count of resisting law enforcement using a vehicle and a misdemeanor charge of suspended license.

Deputies also investigated a road rage incident on 234 near Lodi. According to a police report, deputies responded to a call of a vehicle being rear ended several times and the driver leaving the scene. Deputies were able to find a witness, who provided additional information. As a result, deputies were able to locate a vehicle belonging to Walter Nixon, 91, who was cited for leaving the scene of a property damage accident.