Indianapolis Man Arrested on Forgery Charge

An Indianapolis man has been arrested on a forgery charge for allegedly attempting to pass a counterfeit $100 bill in Effingham over the weekend.

27-year-old Byron L. January allegedly used a counterfeit bill Saturday to buy a pair of shoes at a local business. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the bill initially appeared okay, but store personnel then noticed the bill didn't have the usual security markings and notified police. In the meantime, January is accused of going to another local store and tried to make a purchase. Store personnel there reportedly turned him down and January left the business.

Police tracked down January and another man in a vehicle and tried to make a stop. January stopped the vehicle, but fled on foot. He was apprehended after a short pursuit. The passenger in the vehicle stayed in the vehicle and cooperated. He was not charged.

In addition to forgery, January is charged with obstructing justice for giving a false name, resisting arrest for fleeing, and aggravated battery for striking the arresting officer.

Judge Kimberly Koester set bond for January over the weekend at $20,000. January has since posted bond and was released.

Kibler said there have been other recent instances of individuals attempting to pass bogus bills, and encouraged store personnel to be vigilent.