(5-7-26) There are numerous inquiries as to the events that unfolded this morning (May 7,2026) during traffic control for the Jay County High School.

At approximately 8:09 AM, Sheriff Newton, while directing traffic at the intersection of SR 67 and CR 75S, observed a vehicle disregard a stop sign on CR 75 S and the exit of the High School. The Vehicle that disregarded the Stop sign nearly struck a Jay School Corporation School Bus, causing the bus driver to take evasive measures to avoid a collision.

Sheriff Newton approached the driver of the vehicle and initiated a conversation with the driver. The driver of the vehicle was asked to pull his vehicle to the side of the road and the driver, who was already argumentative, refused and was asked to exit his vehicle. The driver again refused and a physical altercation ensued between the driver, Sheriff Newton, and Captain Wells, who was also directing traffic at the same intersection. At one point, the driver attempted to drive off with an Officer directly in front of the vehicle.

The driver was removed and continued to resist, and with the assistance of Deputy Jessee, was taken into Custody and arrested preliminarily for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Law Enforcement. Traffic was severely impacted during this incident, and we apologize for any inconvenience to the public.

Christopher Rojas, 18, of Portland, was preliminarily charged with:

  • Battery Against a Public Safety Official Engaged in Official Duty
  • Resisting Law Enforcement

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.