Early this morning, an investigation began into two separate acts of arson that had the potential to be very dangerous, life threatening situations. A suspect in the arsons that occurred at two apartment complexes has now been taken into custody near his residence in northwestern Vanderburgh County.
63 year-old Randall Eugene James was developed as a suspect in the reported arsons and was wanted for questioning. James had fled the scenes prior to officer’s arrival and his vehicle was found abandoned in a ditch in northwestern Posey County approximately two hours after the fires were set. James was not located at that time.
Investigators believe that James was able to get a ride from the area of where his car was located to his home located on St Joseph Road in western Vanderburgh County.Â
Through their investigation, EPD detectives were able to gather probable cause to charge James for the arsons. They applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for James. A perimeter was set up around James’ residence. Numerous resources and manpower from multiple agencies were put into place and utilized in an effort to secure James’s arrest.
The use of the EPD’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit (Drones), K9 Unit, Crisis Negotiation Unit, SWAT, and the quality teamwork of the officers and deputies from the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, and Posey County Sheriff’s Office all contributed to the apprehension of James in the safest and most effective manner possible.
James is being transported to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center and will be charged with Arson, Stalking, and Criminal Mischief.
