Evansville Man Arrested After Firing Shot During Dispute with Fiancé’s Ex- boyfriend

Shortly after 10 PM yesterday evening Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 1800 block of Wolverine Drive in Mill Creek Estates to investigate the call of gunfire in the neighborhood. The reporting party heard a single gun shot coming from one street to the north of her residence. In addition to hearing the gunshot, the reporter indicated that she knew the person who was supposedly being targeted by the shot.

The victim was not immediately forthcoming, but deputies were able to interview him about the incident. According to the victim he was simply walking over to the suspect’s house in order to discuss a disagreement, but quickly retreated in fear of his life when he heard the sound of gunfire.

Deputies determined the identity of the alleged shooter, Matthew Nalley, and were able to take him into custody at his nearby residence. When Nalley was taken into custody for questioning he smelled strongly of alcohol and admitted to having several drinks prior to the incident in question. Nalley admitted to deputies that he fired a single shot into the ground from his .40 caliber Beretta in order to prove a point to the victim whom had supposedly come over to his house to fight him. According to Nalley, the two were disputing for much of the day via text message over the fact that Nalley is in a relationship with the victim’s former girlfriend. According to Nalley the communication escalated to the point where they mutually agreed to resolve the matter with a physical confrontation. Nalley stated that when the victim came over to fight, he instead fired one round into the ground of his front yard. Nalley claimed to have never pointed the weapon at or around the victim.

Due to the substantial risk presented to the neighbors for Nalley’s behavior while under the influence of alcohol he was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal recklessness with a firearm. Nalley was also charged for intimidating the victim with a firearm. Nalley was housed in the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond until his initial court appearance.

Arrested: Matthew Nalley (imaged above,) 28, of Evansville, IN

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.