Vermillion Police Department
Carcoana Returns to On-Campus Housing
Mihai Carcoana, the USD basketball player who was arrested on charges of rape in the second degree last week, was released Dec. 13 after a $50,000 bail was paid by a bond company. He has surrendered his passport and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Dec. 21. Carcoana’s $50,000 dollar bail was met […]
Police Blotter: Sept. 11- Sept. 17
On Sept. 11, officers ran into a subject with an open alcohol container on a public sidewalk. After being approached, the subject offered a false date of birth and was then taken into custody for false impersonation. Also on the 11th, a caller reported that there were two people fighting in their home. On arrival […]
Vermillion man arrested Monday following flee across campus
A Vermillion man was arrested after fleeing from the Vermillion Police Department and across USD’s campus Monday evening. VPD Police Chief Matt Betzen said Ryan Heck was witnessed entering a home in Vermillion after lurking around a vehicle nearby. Betzen said the 35-year-old male fled on foot across USD’s campus, where officers found him and […]
Polar Plunge beats goal before they start
Before the event had even started, the Vermillion Polar Plunge had already raised $15,000 for Special Olympics athletes. John Cole is the assistant director for the law enforcement torch run for the state of South Dakota and also a police officer for the Vermillion Police Department. Cole helps out with events across the state, but […]
“If it happens once, it’s a problem”: Vermillion’s undercover date rape drug problem
Waking up in her bed, not knowing how she got there, Katherine Meirose made her way to her bathroom. There, she quickly discovered she had a black eye and no memory of how it happened. Meirose said her first thought was, “I didn’t drink that much and didn’t have a hangover. How do I not […]
Details of VPD officer’s lawsuit against department released
Vermillion Police Department’s lone female officer alleged she was mistreated and sexually harassed by other officers of the department in a complaint unsealed on Monday. Vermillion Police Officer Jessica Newman sued VPD Chief Matt Betzen and the city for gender discrimination on Sept. 6. Both parties requested to permanently seal the document, but Judge Larry […]
Individual struck by vehicle Monday night
A University Police (UPD) officer called Vermillion Emergency Services for medical assistance after an individual was found with injuries on Cherry Street around 10 p.m. on Monday. The individual was found in the 500 block of East Cherry Street with non-life threating injuries, according to Vermillion Police Department Captain Chad Passick and the injury lawyers […]
VPD officer and city reach settlement after lawsuit, request to seal complaint
A Vermillion police officer and the city of Vermillion have agreed to a settlement following a lawsuit against the city and Vermillion chief of police, but requested the permanent sealing of the complaint. Patrol officer Jessica Newman sued Vermillion and Chief of Police Matthew Betzen in the U.S. District Court for the District of South […]
VPD and UPD tag team Dakota Days
Dakota Days, which concluded, Sunday, is a time for celebration. Sometimes celebrations get out of hand, and when they do, Vermillion Police Department and the University Police Department, rely on assistance from the Sheriff’s Department and Highway Patrol to enforce laws and keep people safe. In an average week, VPD receives 130 calls – this […]
Clay County looking at new jail and courthouse facilities
The Clay County jail and courthouse is set to receive a facelift in the coming years. A committee of 10 community members was created late last year with the intention of overseeing the construction of a new jail and courthouse. The cost of those new facilities could be up to $25 million or higher. Andy […]