SUBJECT: Wanted Felon Arrested for Criminal Confinement during Traffic Stop
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-NR-063
CONTACT: Lt. Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Joint Drug Task Force have arrested a wanted felon on charges of criminal confinement, firearms possession and narcotics dealing charges.
On Monday, August 15, 2016 at 11:08am sheriff’s deputies and Indiana State Police troopers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force located Mr. Michael DeWayne Lairy in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Putnam Street. Mr. Lairy was being sought on two outstanding felony warrants related to methamphetamine dealing and drug possession. Mr. Lairy was observed entering a passenger vehicle being driven by a female. A Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy stopped in front of the vehicle and ordered Mr. Lairy to exit.
Mr. Lairy refused to show deputies and troopers his empty hands and was seen leaning over the center console of the vehicle. The driver complied with commands and attempted to exit the vehicle, but Mr. Lairy reached over the driver and pushed on the accelerator in an attempt to use the vehicle to escape. The driver was able to place the vehicle in park and flee to the deputies. Mr. Lairy’s actions needlessly escalated the danger level of the situation and could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. Mr. Lairy refused to surrender and a K9 was deployed into the vehicle. Mr. Lairy sustained a dog bite while being taken into custody. He was treated at Deaconess Hospital before being booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail.
Sheriff’s Office and Evansville Police Department detectives assigned to the Joint Drug Task Force seized over $3,500, baggies of marijuana and pills from Mr. Lairy. A subsequent search of Mr. Lairy’s residence revealed more narcotics and a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
ARRESTED:
Michael DeWayne Lairy (pictured above in May of 2016), 42, of Evansville. Criminal Confinement as a Level 2 Felony, Dealing Methamphetamine as a Level 3 Felony, Possession of Marijuana as a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of a Firearm by Felon as a Level 4 Felony, Dealing Marijuana as a Level 6 Felony, Dealing Scheduled Substance a Level 3 Felony, Dealing Cocaine as a Level 5 Felony.