DATE: January 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit and Extensive Theft Investigation
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-014
CONTACT: Major Matt Corn
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On January 13, 2026, at approximately 7:10 PM, a deputy with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office observed a tan Buick traveling on North Boeke Avenue near East Franklin Street. The vehicle was recognized as being associated with an ongoing theft investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Office detectives involving multiple incidents at the Rural King store on North Saint Joseph Avenue. As a result of that investigation, detectives had obtained a signed felony Probable Cause Affidavit for Travis Schoening.
The deputy observed Travis Schoening operating the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle made an abrupt turn and began to accelerate away from the deputy. Emergency lights and siren were activated, but Schoening failed to stop and fled.
During the pursuit, deputies observed Schoening discard items from the vehicle at multiple locations. The pursuit ended near North Ruston Avenue and East Tennessee Street, where Schoening stopped the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. One discarded item was later recovered and identified as a clear plastic bag containing a white crystal substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
The arrest followed an extensive, multi-month investigation led by detectives with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section, who identified Schoening as the suspect responsible for numerous thefts occurring at retail locations throughout Vanderburgh County.
Schoening was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail and booked on multiple felony charges related to the theft investigation and subsequent pursuit.
Suspect:
Travis John Schoening, 40 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges:
- Resisting Law Enforcement – Level 6 Felony
Indiana Code 35-44.1-3-1(1) - Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 5 Felony
Indiana Code 35-48-4-6.1 - Theft (multiple counts) – Level 6 Felony
Indiana Code 35-43-4-2
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.
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