On October 25, 2020, at 7:06 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a disturbance in the 4400 block ow West County Road 125 North. The 911 caller advised during the disturbance a man identified as 40-year-old Justin D. Taylor of Rural Patoka had fired a handgun and then fled in a White Chevy Equinox. Deputies Bryce Jutzi, Sergeant Bruce Vanoven and Indiana DNR Officer Ryan McIntyre arrived on scene and began an investigation into the incident. During the investigation, the White Chevy Equinox was located at his residence. Upon being granted consent to search his residence the handgun and a long gun were taken into evidence, but Mr. Taylor was not located. At that point officers went back into service.
However, a short time later the victim called back in to report that Mr. Taylor was back at his residence with a gun. Again, Deputy Jutzi and officers from multiple agencies descended on the area to attempt to locate him. Officers were able to form a perimeter around a wooded area north of the victim’s residence until representatives from Vincennes Township could arrive on scene with a thermal imaging drone and assist with the search. Once the drone was in the air a K9 unit from the Evansville Police Department assisted in the search. After a two-and-a-half-hour search Mr. Taylor was located. At that time Mr. Taylor threatened to shoot the Evansville K9 if it was released. Officers on scene were able to speak with Mr. Taylor and ultimately, he was taken into custody.
Upon being transferred to the Gibson County Jail Mr. Taylor was charged with Criminal Recklessness With a Deadly Weapon, Intimidation With a Deadly Weapon, Resisting Law Enforcement, Intimidation of Law Enforcement With a Deadly Weapon, and Attempted Escape. He remains in custody on a $1250 bond.
Assisting arresting Officer Bryce Jutzi in his investigation were Officers from the Princeton Police Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Police, and Evansville Police. Further Firefighters from Vincennes Township were vital in this investigation.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
