At approximately 9:15 a.m. on January 23, 2018, EPD Officers responded to a shot fired run at 717 North Main Street – Apt A. While officers were responding, Central Dispatch advised that a caller stated a person had been shot and ran into that apartment. Officers positioned themselves around the building and ordered the occupants out. 21-year-old Matthew Woods, 29-year-old Tequila Zachary, and a 17-year-old male juvenile complied and exited the apartment.
Witnesses stated that an unknown male, later identified as 45-year-old Michael Bunker was in an alley in the 700 block of North Main Street yelling while holding a knife in his hand. Moments later gunshots were fired and Bunker ran from the area.
The bunker was located by officers and stated an unknown male, later identified as Woods, confronted him about looking at Zachary. Bunker stated Woods lifted his shirt up and showed him the grip on a pistol and then said, “This is my street”. Bunker said that Woods told him to go to the alley. Both subjects went to the alley east of Main Street and north of Columbia Street. Bunker stated he had a knife in his hand to protect himself when Woods pulled the firearm from his waistband, pointed it at him, and fired a single shot. Bunker than ran from the area until officers located him.
When interviewed, Zachary stated that she and Woods left the apartment and she noticed an unknown white male, later identified as Michael Bunker, staring at her. Zachary told Bunker to leave her alone when Woods interrupted them and showed Bunker the grip of a firearm in his waistband. Zachary stated she ran home at this time because she was scared of what might happen. A short time later, Woods returned to the apartment and told Zachary that he fired a shot straight up into the air.
Woods was interviewed by detectives and stated that he and Zachary left the apartment to go get cigarettes when Bunker, walked up to them and started talking to Zachary. Woods told Bunker to leave.
Woods stated Bunker asked “Do you want to get gutted like a fish?†so Woods stated he lifted his shirt to show Bunker the grip of his revolver in his waistband.
Woods stated that Bunker told him to meet him in the alley. Woods said he went to the alley and Bunker was there waiting for him. Woods said Bunker had a knife in his hand and they were both yellings at each other. Woods stated Bunker started walking towards him so he pulled out the revolver and fired it into the air. Woods said he just wanted to scare Bunker away.
Woods was transported to the VCCC and charged with Criminal Recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon and Possession of a Handgun without a License. Zachary had an outstanding felony warrant and was taken to the VCCC. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
If anyone has knowledge or information about this crime, please call the Evansville Police Department at 812-436-7979 or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.
