DEFENDANT WHO ATTEMTPED TO DISARM OFFICER AND FLIPS TABLE IN COURT FOUND GUILTY BY JURY

 Evansville, IN –Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on February 8, 2024, David Michael Hodges was found guilty by a jury of several felonies including: Battery on a Public Safety Officer resulting in bodily injury, a Level 5 Felony; Battery on a Public Safety Officer, a Level 6 Felony; Resisting Arrest Resulting in Bodily Injury, a Level 6 Felony; Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct, class B Misdemeanors. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Celia M. Pauli of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court presided. 

On June 23, 2023, officers were dispatched to Ricks Sports Bar in response to a 911 call that a male was making threats to shoot someone. Officers found a subject, David Michael Hodges, who matched the description from the 911 call near the Liquor Locker on 4620 Covert Avenue. Officers then found a glass pipe during a pat down search of Hodges and noticed him exhibiting symptoms of illegal narcotics usage: Hodges was sweating profusely, his pupils were dilated, and he began having muscle spasms. AMR arrived on the scene to treat Hodges, but Hodges became combative and violently kicked one of the officers then grabbed a duty weapon to in attempt to disarm the officer. 

The Defendant, who was pro se, flipped a table at the beginning of the trial when his motion to continue the set trial date was denied. During the trial, Deputy Prosecutor Keaton Maurer presented body camera footage from the officers at the incident, officer testimony, and a 911 phone call to secure the guilty verdict. 

Prosecutor Moers stated, “We are glad this incident did not end up with more serious harm to our officers involved. The officers remained professional despite a chaotic and violent scene created by this Defendant. We take these actions seriously and will zealously prosecute those who choose to fight law enforcement.” 

In addition to her Deputy Prosecutor, Keaton Maurer, Prosecutor Moers thanks Evansville Police Department Officers C. Street, D.C. Christian, Sgt. J. Jackson, and her support staff Morgan Richardville, Tiffany Lubbehusen, and Investigators Tony Carden and Jessica Pollack for their efforts to successfully prepare this matter for trial. 

Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2024, in front of Magistrate Judge Celia M. Pauli of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court.