Jasper County Roadway Spill Investigation Results Released

Rensselaer, IN – The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department has concluded its investigation into a large soybean oil spill that occurred on September 5, 2026, creating hazardous driving conditions along U.S. Highway 231. Deputies arrived at the scene near Division Road and County Road 300 South around 11:00 a.m. to discover a slick, yellow-colored liquid coating the roadway.

According to officials, the substance was identified as processed soybean oil, typically used for dust control. Investigators traced the spill to a white truck belonging to TDJ Transportation Inc., based in DeMotte. The driver, Justin DeJong, voluntarily met with authorities and explained that a broken bracket on the truck's rear pump assembly caused the unit to shift and damage a valve, leading to an unintentional release of the liquid.

DeJong stated he became aware of the leak upon reaching County Road 300 South and took immediate steps to close a secondary valve before returning to his business to repair the vehicle. Deputies later inspected the truck at the TDJ Transportation site and confirmed that repairs had already been completed.

As a result of the findings, DeJong was informed that he would receive a citation for a leaking load under Indiana law. Further follow-up investigations by the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management may follow. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department has expressed gratitude to all agencies that assisted with traffic control and cleanup efforts.

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