Operation Rusty Cherub targets alleged participants in July 4 altercation at Indiana’s Madison Regatta

A multi-state law enforcement investigation involving members of the Iron Horsemen and Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle organizations has resulted in 13 arrests following a violent altercation at an Indiana bar over the Fourth of July weekend.

Indiana State Police announced the arrests following an investigation dubbed “Operation Rusty Cherub,” which began after a July 4 confrontation at Shipley’s Tavern in Madison, Indiana, during the city’s annual Madison Regatta festivities.

The investigation involved local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.

Fourth of July Bar Fight Sparked Investigation

According to Indiana State Police, members of the Iron Horsemen and Hells Angels encountered one another inside Shipley’s Tavern at approximately 3 p.m. on July 4.

The encounter escalated into an altercation that left multiple individuals injured and caused property damage inside the establishment.

The incident occurred during one of Madison’s busiest weekends of the year, when the Madison Regatta and other community events draw thousands of visitors to the area.

Madison police initially responded to the scene. Due to the scope of the incident and the organizations allegedly involved, the Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section was brought in to lead the investigation.

Investigators subsequently identified suspects throughout the tri-state area and developed criminal charges against multiple individuals.

Search Warrants Lead to 13 Arrests

The investigation resulted in coordinated arrests and search warrants beginning before daybreak Wednesday.

According to authorities, 11 suspects were identified in the tri-state area, with two additional suspects arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Richmond, Virginia, bringing the total number of arrests to 13.

Indiana State Police also reported that warrants were served at 18 separate locations across the tri-state area as the investigation expanded. Authorities said the searches and arrests led to additional investigations and further charges.

Among those arrested was Owen A. Dumford, 22, of Richmond, Indiana, who faces charges of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony, and aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, also a Level 5 felony.

Other individuals arrested in connection with the investigation face various charges, including battery, battery with a deadly weapon, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, intimidation, criminal vandalism, attempted obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct.

The charges vary by individual.

Individuals Identified in the Initial Arrests

According to the information released by authorities, the following individuals were arrested during Wednesday morning’s search warrants:

• Colton W. Griffin, 37, of Milton, Kentucky
• Elizabeth A. Whelan, 36, of Rising Sun, Indiana
• Jacob B. Barkalow, 29, of Dry Ridge, Kentucky
• Toby L. Jones, 39, of North Vernon, Indiana
• Crystal A. Melcher, 48, of Sellersburg, Indiana
• Michael D. Melcher, 53, of Sellersburg, Indiana
• Owen A. Dumford, 22, of Richmond, Indiana
• Tyler L. Cole, 28, of Mount Orab, Ohio
• Toby W. Hughes, 47, of Rising Sun, Indiana
• Jason D. Stowers, 47, of Frankfort, Kentucky
• Robert M. Stagge, 37, of Cincinnati, Ohio
• Cole M. Hoffman, 27, of Crittenden, Kentucky
• Christopher M. Moore, 45, of Scottsburg, Indiana

The list above reflects the individuals identified in the provided initial arrest information. The two additional arrests in Virginia were reported separately by authorities.

Prosecutor Addresses Violence During Community Event

Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter criticized the alleged conduct, noting that the confrontation occurred during a major community event that attracts thousands of visitors.

“In one of our community’s busiest and most exciting weekends of the year, individuals from these two organizations chose to engage in criminal activity and cause chaos among law abiding citizens who wanted to enjoy what Madison has to offer,” Sutter said.

He also commended Indiana State Police and the cooperating agencies for their work on the investigation.

Investigation Spans Multiple States

Operation Rusty Cherub highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating alleged criminal activity involving individuals across state lines.

The investigation required coordination among agencies in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia, with search warrants executed at numerous locations.

Authorities indicated that the investigation continued to develop following the initial arrests, with additional investigative activity and charges resulting from the searches.

The case centers on an alleged confrontation between members of two established outlaw motorcycle organizations during a holiday weekend gathering. The charges announced by authorities are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

TVbikerdad.com will continue to follow developments in the case as additional information becomes available.