DYER — A detective with an interest in podcasting hopes to take some Region cold cases off the shelf and use a new approach to generate leads.
Detective Sgt. David Stein recently launched Region Law: A Podcast with an 11-minute episode that explains podcasting and presents new information in his investigation into the 2012 hit-and-run crash in Dyer that killed 24-year-old Daniel Shively.
Stein, who plans to produce and edit the podcast episodes in his free time, said he also wants to give detectives from other departments a chance to share information about cases they're working.
Hearing the voice of the investigator whom listeners are asked to call with tips can help build trust and show listeners their input will be taken seriously, Stein said.
"We're doing something completely outside the box," he said. "Once you're up against a wall, you have to come up with ways to generate leads that no one has thought about before. This could possibly be the new phase of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community."
Contact information for detectives who participate will be made available, so listeners can call investigators directly, he said.
Stein said he has no set schedule for publishing new podcasts, but likely will focus on law enforcement events in Dyer from time to time because that's where he works. He also plans to reach out to detectives at other departments.
"It's about specific content that's meaningful," he said.
Daniel Shively died after someone driving a dark gray or black two-door Scion TC manufactured between 2005 and 2008 his the motorcycle he was riding June 3, 2012, near the intersection of Calumet Avenue and Harrison Place in Dyer. The Scion driver initially pulled over, but then left the crash scene.
Stein and his partner recently reopened the case. The Scion would have had significant front-end damage, he said.
"Cars aren't cheap, and this was a nice car," Stein said. "I would notice if one day a friend didn't have a car. It stands to reason that back in 2012 people would have asked those questions."
Anyone who may have known someone with a similar Scion and suddenly got rid of one, or anyone with information about the crash, is asked to contact Stein at 219-865-1163, ext. 1835, or dstein@townofdyer.com.
Any law enforcement officials interested in participating in the podcast should contact Stein.