Man Arrested after Threatening Couple with a Handgun at Eastland Mall

An Evansville man is in custody tonight after threatening a couple with a handgun inside Eastland Mall.

On Friday, December 14, 2018 at approximately 7:30 PM a uniformed Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office deputy was working an off-duty security job at Eastland Mall when shoppers began directing him towards a disturbance. Bystanders told the deputy that a male suspect had threatened a male and female couple with a handgun.

The deputy located and detained the suspect and then removed a loaded Glock 9mm handgun from his waistband. An investigation revealed the suspect, later identified as Mr. Brandon Neal Brucken, had approached his ex-wife and her boyfriend as they exited the Foot Locker store inside the mall. Mr. Brucken struck the boyfriend in the head and then spit in his face. The confrontation culminated in Mr. Brucken producing a handgun and allegedly threatening to kill the couple. Hundreds of bystanders, including children, were in the immediate vicinity of the altercation.

Mr. Brucken was transported to the Sheriff’s Operations Center where he was interviewed by detectives. Mr. Brucken admitted to attacking his ex-wife’s boyfriend and displaying a loaded handgun. Mr. Brucken currently holds a valid Indiana License to Carry a Handgun.

Mr. Brucken was later lodged at the Vanderburgh County Jail and awaits an initial court appearance on Monday.

ARRESTED:

Brandon Neal Brucken (pictured above), 32, of Evansville. Intimidation with a Firearm as a Level 5 Felony (2 counts), Battery by Bodily Waste as a Class A Misdemeanor, Battery as a Class A Misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct as a Class B Misdemeanor.

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. 

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