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Frankfort Police Department

Frankfort Welcomes Newest Police Hire

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The Frankfort Police Department officially welcomed a new officer, Kelli Sells (center in photo), to its ranks, with her hiring approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety and an effective start date of September 1, 2025. Sells, badge number 334, was sworn into her position by Mayor Judy Sheets during the Monday evening meeting. 9phot/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 27, 2025) — The Frankfort Police Department officially welcomed a new officer, Kelli Sells, to its ranks, with her hiring approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety and an effective start date of September 1, 2025. Sells, badge number 334, was sworn into her position by Mayor Judy Sheets during the Monday evening meeting.

Chief Scott Shoemaker introduced Sells to the board and the community, highlighting her extensive experience. She is a lateral transfer who has been a police officer since 2015, serving in both patrol and detective divisions. Sells chose the Frankfort Police Department to continue her career in law enforcement after deciding to move from northern Indiana.

Chief Shoemaker expressed gratitude for her choice, noting that Sells comes highly recommended by her former department colleagues and background investigators. She was described as a “great asset” for the department, with her former colleagues reportedly “very sad to have lost her.”

Frankfort Protest Escalates, Leads to Arrests and Charges

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (June 20, 2025) – An ongoing one-person protest in front of Frankfort’s city building escalated into a physical altercation on Thursday evening, June 19, leading to the arrests and subsequent charges for two individuals.

The Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a fight at 301 E Clinton Street, also known as Old Stoney, which had been the site of a small, one-person protest since 4 p.m.. Earlier that evening, at 7:01 p.m., authorities had responded to the location for the protester’s usage of fireworks, issuing a warning after the individual stated they would not do it again. Shortly thereafter, at 7:23 p.m., Clinton County Central Dispatch began receiving reports that the protester was yelling at people driving by on Walnut Street. A shift change of corrections officers and dispatchers at the jail also reported fireworks.

At approximately 7:38 p.m., an officer observed 28-year-old Tyler Niccum of Frankfort throw objects at the protester, 26-year-old Cody Bishop of Indianapolis. Niccum then sat down at a picnic table on the property. Bishop subsequently walked to Niccum, and a fight or struggle occurred over a sign Bishop was holding. During this confrontation, Bishop pointed a firearm at Niccum, who then retreated. Officers intervened and separated both parties while conducting an investigation.

Investigators learned that prior to the observed altercation, Niccum had approached Bishop to examine Bishop’s sign, which reportedly had Niccum’s name on it. While Bishop was at his truck, he walked towards Niccum in close proximity and pushed the sign towards him. Niccum responded by swatting the sign away, at which point Bishop hit Niccum with the sign. Niccum then went back to his car, which was parked on the west side of Prairie Creek, and called the police. However, Niccum did not wait for law enforcement and re-engaged with Bishop.

Both Niccum and Bishop were arrested following the incident. Bishop resisted arrest, causing minor injuries to two Frankfort Police Officers, though no medical attention was necessary.

Charges were filed by the Clinton County Prosecutor on June 20, 2025:

• Tyler Niccum faces one count of Disorderly Conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct (35-45-1-3(a)(1)/MB).

• Cody Bishop faces multiple charges, including:
◦ Two counts of Resisting Law Enforcement: Defendant causes bodily injury (35-44.1-3-1(a)(1)/F6).
◦ Unlawful Use of Body Armor: defendant uses body armor while committing a felony (35-47-5-13(b)/F6).
◦Disorderly Conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct (35-45-1-3(a)(1)/MB).

Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker commented on the incident, stating, “Individuals who want to exercise their first and second amendments are freely able to do so in our society”. However, he emphasized, “What they will not do is incite violence and disrupt normal day-to-day activities for our city residents and visitors”. The Frankfort Police Department strongly encourages citizens to not engage with protestors.

Bicyclist Seriously Injured in Frankfort Crash

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 18, 2025) – A ten-year-old male bicyclist was seriously injured in a crash Friday morning in Frankfort and was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital, authorities said.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:22 a.m. in the area of McKinley Avenue and Short Myrtle Avenue. According to a press release from the Frankfort Police Department, a vehicle traveling west on McKinley Avenue struck the bicyclist who was proceeding south out of an alley. The driver was unable to stop in time.

The bicyclist suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. His condition is listed as critical.

Standard alcohol and drug tests were administered to the driver due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained by the bicyclist.

The investigation into the crash remains active. Authorities stated that more information can be requested once the investigation concludes.

Responding agencies at the scene included Clinton County EMS, Frankfort Fire Department, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Frankfort Police Department.

Frankfort Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 18, 2025) – A traffic stop earlier this month resulted in the arrest of a Frankfort man on multiple drug charges, according to information from the Frankfort Police Department.

The arrest followed a stop conducted by Squad B night shift on May 12, 2025. The initial reason for the traffic stop was for driving left of center.

The individual arrested was identified as 60-year-old Larry Cunningham of Frankfort. He faces the following charges, which have been filed:
* Dealing in Methamphetamine more than 10 grams, a Level 2 Felony
* Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony
* Possession of Cocaine, a Level 6 Felony

The Frankfort Police Department issued a press release regarding the arrest on May 16, 2025.

Frankfort Man Dies After Striking Parked Car

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 18, 2025) – A single-vehicle crash in Frankfort on Friday morning resulted in one fatality. The incident occurred on May 16, 2025, at approximately 5:30 am in the 800 block of North Jackson Street.

Authorities, including Frankfort Police, Frankfort Fire, and Clinton County EMS, were dispatched to the scene following reports of a serious crash.

According to a press release from the Frankfort Police Department, a passenger car driven by 66-year-old Michael Radkovic of Frankfort struck a parked vehicle. The reason the vehicle struck the parked car is currently unknown.

Mr. Radkovic was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause and manner of death are under investigation by Clinton County Coroner Ed Cripe. The crash investigation is being conducted by officers from the Frankfort Police Department.

No further information is available at this time.

Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Motorcycle Patrol Presence Leads to Arrest of Crawfordsville Man on Multiple Outstanding Warrants

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Michael Walker, 35, of Crawfordsville was arrested on outstanding warrants for FTA Possession of a Synthetic Narcotic (Montgomery County), Dealing Methamphetamine (Howard County) and Carrying a Handgun without a License (Howard County) on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at approximately 3:30p.m. in Clinton County Indiana after a brief foot pursuit. (Photo: Clinton County Sheriff's Office)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (January 8, 2024) – According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Michael Walker, 35, of Crawfordsville was arrested on outstanding warrants for FTA Possession of a Synthetic Narcotic (Montgomery County), Dealing Methamphetamine (Howard County) and Carrying a Handgun without a License (Howard County) on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at approximately 3:30p.m.

CCSO Sergeant Tom Farlow and Sergeant Thomas Pelling were returning to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office on their Harley Davidson patrol motorcycles following the completion of a funeral escort, when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of County Roads 500N and 300E. The vehicle, a Black 1995 Dodge Dakota pickup truck pulled into a residence familiar to both sergeants. After notifying the homeowner, they learned the vehicle did not belong at the property. Deputy Nick Light and Deputy Nevin Creasy were also returning from the same funeral escort in their fully marked Tahoes and arrived on scene to assist.

Upon pulling into the residence, Sergeant Pelling observed a male subject fleeing the vehicle on foot. At this time, Sergeant Joey Mitchell (K9 Rip), Deputy Nevin Creasy, Detective Mark Pinkard and Detective Jon Greiner responded, along with Frankfort Police Department Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator Officer Brett Waggoner.

Officer Waggoner deployed his UAV and quickly located the suspect. During the investigation, deputies determined the truck had been reported stolen out of Montgomery County.

Deputies have requested additional charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Syringe and Possession of Marijuana; formal charges are pending review by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.

Former Clinton County Sheriff, Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood Dies

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Former Clinton County Sheriff, Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood died January 5, 2024, at the age of 92. (Photo: Clinton County Sheriff's Office)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (January 8, 2024) – Former Clinton County Sheriff and Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood died January 5th at the age of 92.

Underwood joined the Frankfort Police Department in 1960 and served as chief from 1980 to 1984. Upon retirement from FPD in 1986, he was elected sheriff two-times serving from 1987 through 1994.

Prior to a career in law enforcement, Underwood served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953, making the rank of Corporal.

Visitation will be from 12 Noon-3 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Bunnell Cemetery.

Frankfort Juvenile Arrested For Having Handgun at Frankfort High School

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Frankfort Juvenile Arrested For Having Handgun at Frankfort High School
Frankfort Police Department Chief Scott Shoemaker comments on the on arrest of a Frankfort High School student for having a handgun at the school August 17, 2023. The juvenile was transported to a juvenile detention facility awaiting formal charges from the Clinton County prosecutor. From left-to-right: Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets, FPD Chief Scott Shoemaker, Community Schools of Frankfort Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda, FPD Deputy Chief Cesar Munoz. (Photo: Facebook video frame / FPD page)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 18, 2023) – August 17, 2023, started off as a regular day at Frankfort High School (FHS), but it quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal when students discovered a fight taking place in one of the school bathrooms. Little did they know, this altercation would involve the presence of a firearm.

The details of the ordeal was shared during a joint Frankfort Police Department (FPD) and Community of Schools of Frankfort (CSF) press conference at FPD headquarters that afternoon.

At approximately 8:00 A.M., students bravely alerted a FPD officer serving as FHS School Resource Officer (SRO) of the incident. Students reported seeing one of the students involved potentially carrying a firearm, as an ammunition magazine fell out during the scuffle. Acting swiftly, the SRO and school staff took immediate custody of the students involved.

During a thorough search, a small caliber handgun was found on the premises – no ammunition was discovered in the school or on the school bus that the student had used to commute that day. As a precautionary measure, the school was placed on an immediate lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

The incident also prompted a temporary lock-out at the nearby Frankfort Middle School, as a safety precaution due to its close proximity to the high school. Multiple officers, detectives, and command staff promptly responded to the scene, working alongside school administration staff to coordinate investigative efforts and guarantee the safety of those involved.

The suspect, a seventeen-year-old male, was transported by FPD to FPD headquarters, where detectives continued their investigation. The suspect was then taken to a juvenile detention facility – with assistance from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office – and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on school property.

A search of the juvenile’s home did not yield any other firearms.

By 9:40 A.M., all school operations had returned to normal. FPD Chief Scott Shoemaker expressed his gratitude for the students who reported the incident, emphasizing the value of the twenty-three-year partnership between FPD and CSF, which has allowed for the presence of an officer within the high school.

“I am thankful that the student witnesses reported the incident to school officials and our SRO,” stated Chief Shoemaker. “In a partnership with the Community Schools of Frankfort, we have had an officer in our high school for twenty-three years now.”

CSF Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda echoed Chief Shoemaker’s sentiments, emphasizing the strong partnership between the school district and the police department. He also highlighted the importance of preparedness and coordination in responding to critical incidents such as these, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

“We have a great partnership with the Frankfort Police Department,” stated Dr. Rhoda. “We have prepared for incidents of these types of critical incidents. Today was an example of how we respond in coordination with the police department to keep everyone safe.”

As the case now moves forward, the Clinton County prosecutor will review the details and determine formal charges.

Frankfort Police Department Awarded Department of Justice Grant to Hire New Police Officer

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Frankfort Police Department Awarded Department of Justice Grant to Hire New Police Officer

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The Frankfort Police Department (FPD) has been awarded a $125,000 grant to hire a new police officer through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). FPD was one of 180 grants awarded nationwide of 711 applications received for fiscal year 2022 grant cycle.

“We’re happy with this [announcement],”said Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker.

Shoemaker explained the funding process as the funding from CHP will provide partial funding over three years with the city committing to fund 100% of the new officer pay in year 4, “the first three years is a match, 75% federal government, 25% the city. And then in the fourth year, we’re required to fully fund that position for at least one year.”

The original FPD grant application requested funding for three officers to allow for specialized trained officers in mental health shared Shoemaker.

“We’d ask for three. Our intent was to have an officer with using one that we already have – our goal was to have at least one specialized officer that’s trained in mental health – a little bit far beyond than what we normally do.”

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets too was excited to receive news of the awarding of the grant.

“I’m so excited about this,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “That’s gonna help us out to be able to add one more person to the police department.”

Sheets added this grant will assist the city with services needed as part of the annexation to I-65 in 2025.

“As we move forward on 28 to the interstate, we are hoping to add possibly up to three officers. So this is gonna help the city out quite a bit financially as we are moving forward because we have to start offering services in 2025.”

Shoemaker was asked if the grant will allow the FPD to hire from the current recruitment class going through the hiring process.

“Absolutely. That’s the good news – the good news is that instead of hiring one out of this, we’ll be able to hire two. We have some good candidates.”

FPD is waiting to hear when the funding will be released from the DOJ for the hiring to be funded, but believe it will be no later than January 2023.

Nationwide, the awards provide direct funding to 180 law enforcement agencies, allowing those agencies to hire 973 additional full-time law enforcement professionals according to the DOJ.

Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 136,000 officers.

City of Frankfort Official Trick or Treat Halloween Hours

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frankfort-trick-or-treat

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has announced its official trick-or-treat hours will be 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Halloween night, Monday, October 31.

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved trick-or-treat times at their September 26th meeting. Residents who are planning to share candy should turn on their porch lights during trick-or-treat hours.

Frankfort Police are offering safety tips for trick-or-treaters. According to Police Chief Scott Shoemaker, trick-or-treaters of all ages are encouraged to take the following precautions to help ensure a safe evening by choosing a well-lit path of travel and only visiting homes of those you know and that have porch lights on.

“We encourage all trick-or-treaters to wear reflective clothing. Remember to stop at the edge of streets before crossing and never run into the road.” Chief Shoemaker said in a city Facebook post. Motorists are asked to be especially careful on Halloween night by decreasing speed and increasing awareness of trick-or-treating children and families.

Frankfort Main Street and many of the downtown businesses will be trick-or-treating on the square from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Stop by if you dare for the Kid’s Costume Contest at Veterans Park, judging begins at 6pm.

In addition to trick-or-treating within their neighborhoods and downtown Frankfort, Frankfort’s ghosts, witches, superheroes, and goblins can visit the Frankfort Unified Neighborhood Truck or Treat event at Veterans Park on Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

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