Overnight search for missing horseman results in arrest

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VAN BUREN TWP. — A horseman who went missing the evening of July 2 was arrested after he was found in Brown County State Park July 3.

Indiana Conservation Officers were called to the state park at around 3 a.m. July 3 to assist park personnel in the search for Damion Brown, 41, of Brazil, Indiana.

Horse riders George Wetzel, of Brown County, and Carl Smith, of Owen County, found missing horseman Damion Brown, of Brazil, Indiana, July 3. Photo courtesy of Susan Johnson.
Horse riders George Wetzel, of Brown County, and Carl Smith, of Owen County, found missing horseman Damion Brown, of Brazil, Indiana, July 3. Photo courtesy of Susan Johnson.

Brown went missing after he, Crystal Brown, 34, also of Brazil, and a third horseman went for a ride to Story Inn the previous evening.

Damion fell off his horse while they were returning to camp, according to a press release from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

A verbal and physical fight occurred between Damion and Crystal as she attempted to help him, the press release said. Crystal and the third horse rider decided to ride back to the campground, leading Damion’s horse and leaving him behind, the release said.

Conservation officers and park personnel used all-terrain vehicles and a police dog to search for Damion. Members of the Johnson County Mounted Sheriff’s reserves also assisted in the search at daylight July 3.

Horse riders George Wetzel, of Brown County, and Carl Smith, of Owen County, found Damion walking the trails at around 1 p.m. July 3.

Using statements from Crystal and the third horse rider, police arrested Damion on domestic battery charges.

The Browns were staying in the campground for the holiday weekend. They were evicted from the park, the release said.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Department and EMS helped with the investigation led by ICO Brent Bohbrink.

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