DATE: 06/10/2014
SUBJECT: Robbery / Carjacking Arrest
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-044
CONTACT: Sgt. Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding
On Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 1:52 am the Sheriff’s Office responded to an address in the 2500 block of Wild Dunes Drive upon report of domestic violence in progress. A female victim reported to deputies that her ex-boyfriend, Mr. Matthew Thomas, had assaulted her and stolen her maroon 2000 Chevrolet Impala 4-door vehicle.
The victim explained that Mr. Thomas had accompanied her in the vehicle earlier in the day when the two became involved in an argument. Mr. Thomas reportedly took the victim’s car keys, which prompted her to try and call 911. Mr. Thomas allegedly assaulted her and then took her cellular phone. The victim explained that when she tried to escape, Mr. Thomas chased her and drug her back to her vehicle. Mr. Thomas then allegedly drove the victim to another location and began strangling her. When she tried to escape again, Mr. Thomas produced a box cutter, held it to her throat and threatened to kill her while using his free hand to strangle her. Mr. Thomas then reportedly drove the victim to Eastbrook trailer park. When the vehicle stopped, the victim reported that she attempted to flee again. Mr. Thomas reportedly gave chase and tackled her to the ground. Bystanders heard the commotion and yelled at Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas then fled in the victim’s vehicle, leaving her behind.
The victim was transported by ambulance to Deaconess Gateway Hospital for treatment of her injuries, which included contusions and abrasions to her face and body. Responding Sheriff’s Deputies and Evansville Police officers searched the area for the stolen vehicle. A deputy located the vehicle about two (2) miles away. A Sheriffs’ Office K-9 team tracked Mr. Thomas from the vehicle to his home address but he was not home.
As the search progressed into the afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Thomas. Around 4:00 pm Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Marshals Task Force located Mr. Thomas in an apartment near the area of Dalehaven Drive on the city’s eastside. He was taken into custody without incident.
Mr. Thomas was subsequently interviewed by Sheriff’s Office detectives and was later transported to the confinement center.
Arrested:
Matthew Lee Thomas, 28 years of age
Charges:
Robbery as a Class B Felony
Carjacking as a Class B Felony
Strangulation as a Class D Felony
Criminal Confinement as a Class B Felony
Intimidation as a Class D Felony