Winamac Police Department

10/05/2026

On October 3, 2026 The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office conducted Operation: October Sky. This was a multi-agency enforcement detail focused on traffic and narcotics enforcement on the highways of Pulaski County.

Our Sheriff's Office worked alongside the Winamac Police Department with the support of K9 units from the White County Indiana Sheriff's Office and the Starke County Sheriff's Office. During this detail Law Enforcement conducted 112 traffic stops. Several of the offenses included possession of controlled substances, reckless driving arrests of speeds in excess of 95mph+, operating while intoxicated, and an outstanding arrest warrant from another county. There were also 17 citations issued during this operation.

I would like to provide a big THANK YOU to your Dispatchers for providing great service during the operation. For those that don't know that is A LOT of radio traffic to handle. This showcases the quality of our personnel to be able to handle not only our routine days, but how well they can step up and manage high frequency details.

At the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office it is our goal to provide service and safety to our community. You expect us to be out here enforcing the laws, and we want to show you that we will be there for you. If you have concerns about specific areas or issues, message this account or call our Dispatch center at 574-946-6655.

Thank you for your continued support!
-Seth Barton, Chief Deputy, P.C.S.D

09/17/2026

See the attached Indiana State Police Post for more information regarding yesterday’s incident.

Shooting Under Investigation in Pulaski County - Update

The Indiana State Police Lafayette Post is providing an update regarding the officer involved shooting that occurred in Winamac on September 16, 2026.

The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Keith C. Ernest, 56, of Winamac.

A preliminary autopsy report indicates Ernest died from a self inflicted contact gunshot wound to the head.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. No further information is available for release at this time.

**Original press release is below.

Pulaski County - Detectives from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post are investigating a pursuit that ended with a shooting in Winamac.

A preliminary investigation indicated that just before 1:30 p.m., a Monon Police officer was en route to a disturbance at the VanGuard facility in Monon. While responding to the disturbance, the officer observed a Chevrolet Colorado believed to have been involved and attempted to stop the vehicle in Monon. The Colorado failed to stop and fled eastbound on State Road 16.

The pursuit continued eastbound on State Road 16 before traveling northbound on State Road 39 and into Pulaski County. The pursuit then continued eastbound on State Road 14, where law enforcement deployed a tire deflation device. The Colorado struck the device, but the pursuit continued on State Road 14 into Winamac.

The pursuit eventually came to a stop near the intersection of Monticello Street and 15th Street. The driver exited the Colorado while armed with a fi***rm. During the ensuing encounter, the driver is believed to have discharged the fi***rm, and an officer on scene is also believed to have discharged their department fi***rm.

The driver was transported to an area hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased.

The driver’s identity will be released by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, along with the coroner’s determination regarding the cause and manner of death.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by detectives from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post. There is no further information available for release at this time.

The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Monon Police Department, Winamac Police Department, Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, Pulaski County EMS, and the Indiana Department of Transportation.



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09/16/2026

Community Notice

The Winamac Police Department and Pulaski County sheriffs office are working alongside the Indiana State Police on an incident on US 35 in front of the plaza in Winamac. Details will not be released at this time. The community is safe and the event is over. Expect long delays and shutdowns in the area while this is investigated. 

09/15/2026

Congratulations on your retirement Chief Deputy Rogers! Thank you for your years of service, expertise, professionalism, and willingness to serve the citizens of Pulaski County and citizens in the State of Indiana!

08/27/2026

If you are missing a cell phone, one was turned into the town office today! Located by St Peter’s Catholic Church. Town office hours are 0730-430PM

08/11/2026

ATTENTION
If you are on Winamac Electric and still without power, please call the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at 574-946-6655

All power that can be restored has been restored at the moment.

08/11/2026

The Town of Winamac electric department is working on multiple power outages. If you called the Town office during business hours, you are on the list and they will get you taken care of. If you are unsure if your outage has been reported, you may call the sheriff’s department at (574)946-6655. Please know, the electric crew is doing their best to get power restored but there are outages scattered everywhere so please be patient!

-Winamac Town Office

07/30/2026

For Immediate Release

07/07/2026

On behalf of the Winamac Police Department, we are saddened to hear of the loss of retired Chief of Police Jeffrey Heims.

Jeff served the community in law enforcement for over 25 years. During his tour, he held the ranks of Patrolman, Sergeant, and Chief of Police at the Winamac Police Department. Jeff was also the D.A.R.E Officer for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.

Jeff strived for excellence as an officer, graduating the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1989 finishing 5/100 in his class. He was a Fi****ms Instructor and completed multiple courses from river rescue, to crime scene technician school, to several specialized interviewing schools.

Jeff will be missed by his family and friends.

Rest in Peace Chief Heims

01/09/1965-07/07/2026

-Chief Branson R Eber