DATE: 03-23-2023
SUBJECT: Deputies make Arrest after K9 Apprehension
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-NR-0323
CONTACT: Major Matt Corn
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On 03-23-2023, at 1:23 AM, a deputy with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office observed a male riding a dirt bike on Fendrich Golf Course (1550 E. Diamond Ave.). As the deputy began to make contact with the rider, the male fled on his dirt bike back onto the golf course property. After a few minutes, deputies located the suspect attempting to leave the golf course on his dirt bike in the area of Hercules Ave near E. Diamond Ave. and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The suspect again fled from deputies before driving back onto Fendrich Golf Course and turning the lights off on his dirt bike in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
With the assistance from the Evansville Police Department, a perimeter was set up around the area. After a brief search, deputies located the dirt bike but no rider. Further resources were utilized including a drone and Sheriff’s Office K9 team and the suspect was located hiding in the nearby woods. The male rider was apprehended in the wood line by the sheriff’s office K9 team.
The male suspect was identified as Rodney Kessler of Evansville. Kessler is being charged with Resisting Law Enforcement (L6), Resisting Law Enforcement (AM), Trespassing (AM), Reckless Driving (BM), and multiple traffic infractions. Fendrich Golf course personnel were contacted concerning potential damages to the golf course from the dirt bike. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment as a result of the K9 apprehension and admitted for non-life threatening injuries. Kessler will be transported and booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail upon his release from the hospital.
–END–
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.