Earlier this morning, at approximately 2:00 AM, the Evansville Police Department was dispatched to the area of Sunset Boulevard in regards to a “shots fired†call for service. Deputy Robert Schmitt and his K9 partner, “Boss†was in the area at the time. Deputy Schmitt observed a blue Chevy Malibu traveling east on Pollack Avenue, leaving the general area of the shots fired call, at a high rate of speed.
As Deputy Schmitt approached the intersection of Pollack Avenue and Weinbach Avenue, the driver, later identified as Lusta William Johnson, of the Malibu failed to stop at the stop sign and traveled north on Weinbach Ave. Deputy Schmitt attempted to stop the blue Malibu, however, Johnson refused to stop. Deputy Schmitt continued to pursue Johnson for several blocks until Johnson lost control of the vehicle and spun out of control at Spring Street and Monroe Avenue, striking a stop sign. Johnson, who was the only occupant of the Malibu, got out of the car and fled on foot.
Officers of the Evansville Police Department, along with deputies, then set up a perimeter in the area as Deputy Schmitt and “Boss†started tracking the suspect. Deputy Schmitt gave several orders for Johnson to stop however Johnson ignored the commands and continued to run. After chasing Johnson through several yards and over several fences, Deputy Schmitt and “Boss†located Johnson in an open garage on South Weinbach Avenue where Johnson was apprehended. Johnson received a few minor bites and scratches.
Johnson was transported to the hospital, treated and released. Johnson was then taken to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center where he was arrested for several charges. At this time, the only correlation to the original EPD shots fired run was his proximity to the area and his actions at the time. The investigation is ongoing.
ARRESTED:
Lusta William Johnson, B/M, 28 years of age, Evansville, Indiana
Habitual Traffic Violator For Life – Class C Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – Class D Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
Hit & Run – Class B Misdemeanor
FTA – Misdemeanor Warrant
