North Vernon woman arrested after hiding in attic

NORTH VERNON — North Vernon police arrested a local woman wanted on a warrant after she hid in an attic to avoid apprehension.

Sgt. Tom Beam was patrolling in the 600 block of Barlow Drive at 9:30 p.m. April 10 when he passed a residence where he recognized an individual who had a warrant for her arrest.

Before he could turn around and speak with her, Jeannie White, 46, North Vernon, fled into her home, police said. White was wanted for failing to appear on a theft charge out of Ripley county, police said.

Beam waited for other officers to arrive to assist, and when they entered the home, they couldn’t find White, police said. However, there were signs someone had gone into the attic.

Police said the attic entry was small and could have created a danger to officers so Jennings county Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Allen Ritchie and K9 partner Vampir were requested, police said. When police told White that a police canine was preparing to enter, she exited the attic and surrendered to officers.

White was arrested on preliminary charges of the warrant and resisting law enforcement, police said.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.