Convicted Felon Arrested after Firing a Stolen Handgun at Off-Duty Police Officers

On Friday, September 02, 2016 the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office arrested a convicted felon who fired a handgun at two off-duty Evansville police officers.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to an “officer assist” call at approximately 11:03am this morning at 6021 Felstead Road. Two off-duty Evansville police officers had been clearing a wooded area on an adjacent piece of property when they began receiving gunfire from the direction of 6021 Felstead Road. The officers retrieved their firearms and approached two suspects while identifying themselves as police officers.

Mr. Michael David Gauer initially complied with commands to surrender, but then began to resist one of the officers. Once responding sheriff’s deputies arrived Mr. Gauer was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a stolen handgun. A defaced handgun with an obliterated serial number was also recovered nearby. A second suspect was also detained, but was later released.

Mr. Gauer is a convicted felon whose past offenses include a 2009 conviction for Burglary as a Class B Felony, making his possession of a firearm a Level 4 Felony. The investigation remains open and additional charges or arrests are possible.

ARRESTED:

Michael David Gauer (pictured above), 29, of Evansville. Criminal Recklessness while Armed as a Level 6 Felony, Receiving a Stolen Firearm as a Level 6 Felony, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon as a Level 4 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement as a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of an Altered Handgun as a Level 5 Felony, Pointing a Loaded Firearm as a Level 6 Felony

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