Valparaiso Police Department

08/29/2026

Incident at VHS Football Game

During this evening’s football game, a brief but concerning incident occurred, which we wanted to share with our community. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, families, and visitors remain our highest priority. An elementary student brought a sq**rt gun into the stadium that was realistic looking in nature and began brandishing it among spectators. A vigilant parent observed these actions, notifying a nearby Valparaiso Police officer who immediately responded and removed the item from the student. The student and their parent were then removed from the football stadium. There is no further safety concern and police will continue to investigate the incident.

Incidents of this nature are a good opportunity to remind students about the seriousness of their actions, including modifying toys to appear as if they are real weapons. These choices can place themselves and others in danger and cause extreme concern. Valparaiso Police and Valparaiso Community Schools would further like to thank our community for their continued partnership and assistance.

08/26/2026

⏰ Friendly reminder! There’s still time to enter! Get your entry in today before this contest comes to a close. Don’t miss your chance to participate! 🎉

VPD PATCH COLORING CONTEST

The Valparaiso Police Department is excited to celebrate back-to-school time with a Patch Coloring Contest for all kids! Download your copy of the submission sheet at the bottom of this post or pick one up at National Night Out tomorrow from 6- 8 p.m. at Central Park Plaza.

To submit your masterpiece:
• Drop off the completed page at VPD (355 S. Washington St)
• Email your submission to [email protected] (subject line: (your initials VPD Coloring Contest)
• Return your coloring sheet to your SRO
• All artwork must be submitted by August 31 at 11:59 pm.

Voting:
• On September 1, we will upload all submissions to our page.
• Followers are invited to "like" their favorite design(s)—one like = one vote.
• Voting ends on September 5 at noon (CST)
• In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by the Chief of Police

Winners:
• Winners will be selected by age group and will receive a tour of the station and a VPD swag bag.
• The overall winner will receive a tour of the station, lunch with an officer for their family and one guest, their patch featured as our profile picture for one week, and recognition at Popcorn Fest.

Guidelines:
• All entries must be physically colored (no digital designs or graphics).
• Ensure the child's name and contact information are filled out on the page. If submitting electronically, include this information in your message body.
• Artwork must be appropriate for all audiences and may not contain violent, graphic, threatening, hateful, or harassing content, discriminatory or offensive imagery, advertisements, business promotions, or campaign materials, or messages, symbols, or imagery that promote or oppose any particular cause, ideology, or organization.
• VPD reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet guidelines or are inconsistent with the purpose of the contest.
• By entering, a parent or guardian grants permission for the organization to display the artwork using the child's first name, age, and artwork in contest announcements.
• Be creative and have fun!

DOWNLOAD PAGE HERE: https://ci.valparaiso.in.us/DocumentCenter/View/12032/VPD-Coloring-Contest?bidId=

08/19/2026

The previously reported police investigation in the 1000 block of Surben Drive, which began on August 18, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., has concluded. The incident was isolated to the residence, and there was no threat to public safety at any time. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jacob Nelson, 28, of Valparaiso, on charges of domestic battery and strangulation. Nelson was transported to the Porter County Jail. All emergency vehicles have cleared the area, and all traffic restrictions have been removed. We thank the Porter County Sheriff’s Department and the Valparaiso Fire Department for their assistance with this investigation.

08/19/2026

The Valparaiso Police Department is currently on scene of an active investigation in the 1000 block of Surben Drive. There is a large police presence in the area with emergency vehicles blocking much of Evans Avenue near Monticello Park Drive. There is no threat to public safety and the incident is isolated to the residence involved. Please avoid the area if possible, using alternate routes of travel due to the current lane restrictions. Thank you for your cooperation.

08/17/2026

🚓 Valpo Strong: Coming Together After the Storm ⛈️

After the damaging storms moved through Valparaiso, members of the Valparaiso Police Department immediately went to work helping our community begin the recovery process.

Within the first two hours after the storm, officers identified 44 areas needing attention, including blocked roadways caused by downed trees, utility poles, wires, debris, power outages affecting traffic signals, and concerns for residents who may have needed assistance. They also helped clear roadways so emergency responders and residents could move through affected areas more safely.

Our officers provided guidance to those who needed help, while our Police Social Worker delivered goods to residents who reached out in need and checked on those registered with the VPD CARE Program.

We also want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our civilian staff, who continued answering calls for service and offering a listening ear to those experiencing a wide variety of challenges throughout the week.

Despite many members of our department dealing with storm damage, power outages, and caring for their own families, our team showed up in full force and with a strong commitment to serving Valparaiso.

🙏 Thank you, Valpo. It is an honor to work together as we help our community get back on its feet. Stay safe, continue looking out for one another, and keep up the great work! 💪

08/13/2026

🚨 PLEASE — DO NOT USE GENERATORS INSIDE OR NEXT TO YOUR HOME OR BUILDING! 🚨

We are pleading with everyone to take this seriously.

Since the recent storm, we have responded to multiple calls involving elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels. In several cases, generators were being operated inside buildings, in garages, or too close to buildings.

⚠️ Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, deadly gas. You cannot see it. You cannot smell it. And it can overcome you before you realize there is a problem.

NEVER operate a gasoline, diesel, or propane generator inside your home, garage, basement, shed, or any enclosed space.

Generators should be operated outside, well away from doors, windows, and other openings where exhaust can enter the building.

Please also make sure your carbon monoxide alarms are working and have fresh batteries.

If your generator is running right now, please go outside and check its location. Moving it away from the building could save your life — or the life of someone you love.

We know everyone is dealing with the aftermath of the storm and trying to keep their families warm, safe, and comfortable. But please don’t let a generator turn a power outage into a tragedy.

PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. You may help save a life. ❤️🚒

08/11/2026

🌧️ POST-STORM SAFETY MESSAGE 🌧️

Valparaiso has just experienced severe weather, including heavy winds and rain. The storm has resulted in widespread power outages, roadway debris, and areas of light flooding.

⚠️ If you must travel, please use extreme caution and be patient.

🚦 Traffic signals are currently impacted by the power outage. Any intersection where the traffic signal is not operating should be treated as a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop, look carefully, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

🌳 Expect debris in the roadway, including tree limbs and large branches. Please slow down and be alert for additional hazards.

💧 Use caution around areas of standing or flooded water. Avoid driving through puddles or standing water in roadways, as even shallow water can create hazardous driving conditions.

Our officers are out assisting with storm-related issues and keeping our community safe. Please avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve and crews have had an opportunity to clear hazards.

🚔 For emergencies or if you need police assistance, please contact the Valparaiso Police Department at 219-462-2135.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and continued attention to safety as our community recovers from the storm.

08/10/2026

🚨 ROADWAY CLOSURE / TRAFFIC ALERT 🚨

Roadway is now open

The Valparaiso Police Department is currently on scene of a multiple motor vehicle crash at US HWY 30 and Horseprairie Avenue.

⚠️ First responders are actively working at the scene. Please avoid the area if possible.

If you must travel through the area, please use extreme caution and expect delays, as only one lane of traffic is currently open in each direction.

Please slow down, follow the direction of emergency personnel, and give first responders plenty of room to work.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

08/05/2026

What an incredible evening at National Night Out 2026! The Valparaiso Police Department is grateful to everyone who came out to Central Park Plaza to spend time with our officers, professional staff, first responders, community partners, neighbors, friends, and families.

From the smiles and conversations to the impressive demonstrations, police vehicles, public safety displays, and activities for all ages, it was clear that everyone had a great time. Nights like this are a powerful reminder of what makes Valparaiso special: a community that shows up, connects, supports one another, and helps us continue building strong partnerships together.

Thank you for your continued support of the Valparaiso Police Department. We are honored to serve this community and grateful for every handshake, question, laugh, photo, and moment shared throughout the evening. We already can’t wait to do it again!

08/04/2026

🚔🎉 TODAY'S THE DAY! National Night Out is Here! 🎉🚔

Join the Valparaiso Police Department TONIGHT from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Central Park Plaza for our biggest National Night Out celebration yet!

Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of fun while getting to know the officers and professional staff who proudly serve our community. Explore police vehicles, watch demonstrations, learn about the services we provide, and enjoy activities for all ages.

National Night Out is all about building stronger neighborhoods, strengthening police-community partnerships, and making Valparaiso an even safer place to live.

📍 Central Park Plaza
🕕 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📅 Tonight!

We can't wait to see you there. Come say hello, meet your local first responders, and enjoy a great evening with your neighbors!