DATE: May 15, 2026
SUBJECT: Deputies Respond To Domestic Incident Involving Firearms
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0515
CONTACT: Lt. Brian Traylor
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
At approximately 8:49 a.m. on May 15, 2026, deputies with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 2300 block of Dusseldorf Drive regarding a report of a person with a gun.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the victim, who reported that her husband had pointed a firearm at her and made threats. The victim was able to safely exit the residence; however, deputies were advised that an additional long gun remained inside the home.
Deputies established a perimeter around the residence and attempted to negotiate with the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Timothy Esparza, for an extended period of time. Negotiators communicated with Esparza by phone while deputies also utilized the ARV PA system and siren to order him to exit the residence peacefully.
After negotiations were unsuccessful and Esparza continued refusing commands to exit, deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence and weapons inside the home. Deputies later breached the front door of the residence and deployed Noise/Flash Diversionary Devices and chemical munitions in an effort to gain compliance. An outdoor drone was used to monitor the perimeter, while indoor drones were utilized to assist deputies in clearing the residence and locating the suspect. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team was assisted during the incident by the Evansville Police Department Drone Unit.
Following the deployment of chemical munitions, deputies observed Esparza on the second floor of the residence. An arrest team then entered the home and safely took him into custody without further incident.
Esparza was provided medical attention on scene before being transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Upon medical clearance, he will be booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on the preliminary charges listed below. This incident remains under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
SUSPECT:
Timothy Esparza, 48 years old, Evansville
CHARGES:
- Intimidation with a Firearm
- Resisting Law Enforcement
- Domestic Battery
- Pointing a Loaded Firearm
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