DATE: August 11th, 2025
SUBJECT: Warrant Tip Leads to Animal Neglect Charges
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-NR-0811
CONTACT: Lt. Erik Nilssen
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On August 10th, 2025, at approximately 6:29pm, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Deputies received a tip that Michael Wayne Scott Jr was at a residence in the 2200-Block of Belmar Lane. Mr. Scott had five (5) active misdemeanor warrants for his arrest and one (1) writ of attachment warrant for delinquent child support.
Upon arrival, Deputies determined that Mr. Scott had fled into the back bedroom of the residence. Deputies received consent to search for Mr. Scott from another resident who had debilitating health issues. She was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Upon entering the residence, Deputies detected a strong odor of urine and observed unsanitary living conditions, including overflowing litter boxes, an abundance of insect activity, animal feces on the floor, and food scattered on countertops. Due to the hazardous environment, Deputies exited the residence and summoned Animal Control Officers to the scene. Animal Control Officers determined that a dog in the home was malnourished and in poor condition. The dog was removed from the residence for veterinary care.
Deputies obtained a judicially signed search warrant and issued multiple announcements via a public address system ordering Mr. Scott to exit. After multiple attempts were made to de-escalate the situation peacefully, Deputies entered the residence wearing protective gear and located Mr. Scott hiding near the water heater.
Mr. Scott was transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation prior to being booked in to the Vanderburgh County Jail.
Arrested:
Michael Wayne Scott Jr, 52 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges:
- Animal Cruelty-Abandonment Neglect (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Misdemeanor Warrants
- Writ of Attachment-Child Support
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.