DATE: May 21st, 2025
SUBJECT: Evansville Man Arrested for Possession of Narcotics after Explosion
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-NR-0521
CONTACT: Major Matt Corn
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On May 20, 2025, at approximately 4:43 p.m., the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, along with the German Township and McCutchanville Fire Departments, responded to reports of a loud explosion and visible smoke in the backyard of a residence in the 3400 block of Saint Joseph Avenue.
Upon arrival, first responders observed smoke and haze in the area but no visible flames. A 32 year old female victim was found in visible distress with redness across her chest and what appeared to be severe chemical burns. When asked what happened, the victim screamed, “The hand sanitizer blew up,” and indicated the incident occurred near the home. She was airlifted to a regional burn center for advanced treatment due to the severity of her injuries.
Emergency personnel located a blue discolored tote in the backyard, which was partially burned and contained a dirt-like substance. Inside the tote, responders found a melted chemical container, and fire personnel noted the tote remained warm to the touch. A rubber hose appeared to extend from or connect to the tote (see photos below).
During the on-scene investigation, deputies also discovered a large quantity of hand sanitizer, which appeared to have been used in an attempt to ignite cardboard for a backyard campfire. The highly flammable nature of the hand sanitizer is believed to have contributed to the explosion.
The woman’s boyfriend, Zachary Simmons, who resides at the home, was detained outside the residence. A young child, who lives at the residence full-time and was present at the time of the explosion, was found in an unsafe environment.
Due to the nature of the explosion and suspicious materials found at the scene, the Evansville Police Department Bomb Squad and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to assist. As a precaution, nearby residences were temporarily evacuated, and all lanes of Saint Joseph Avenue were closed for several hours. The Bomb Squad later located a possible suspicious device above one of the interior doorways; however, it was ultimately determined not to be a threat or related to the explosion.
Deputies obtained a judicially signed search warrant for the residence at 3405 N. Saint Joseph Avenue, shared by Simmons and the female victim. During the search, deputies located several items indicative of illegal drug use and possession. These included glass smoking pipes with burnt residue and containers of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Inside a safe, deputies found additional marijuana and three plastic baggies containing a white crystal substance, later confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Further inspection of the residence revealed troubling living conditions. Illegal drugs were found in areas easily accessible to children, and deputies observed mold-covered food throughout the home. Due to these hazardous conditions and the presence of dangerous substances, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) responded to the scene and took custody of the child.
Investigators found no evidence of explosive materials or narcotics manufacturing at the scene. The cause of the explosion and the exact circumstances leading to the victim’s injuries remain under active investigation.
Arrested:
Zachary Simmons, 40 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges:
- Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
- Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 Felony)
- Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor)
Previously: Deputies Investigating Explosion in Northwestern Vanderburgh County
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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