The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Joint Drug Task Force have arrested a wanted felon on charges of criminal confinement, firearms possession and narcotics dealing charges.
On Monday, August 15, 2016 around 11:10 a.m., the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies and Indiana State Police troopers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force located 42 year old Michael DeWayne Lairy, of Evansville, in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Putnam Street. They say Lairy was being sought on two outstanding felony warrants related to methamphetamine dealing and drug possession. Deputies and troopers reportedly observed entering a passenger vehicle being driven by a female. A Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy stopped in front of the vehicle and ordered Lairy to exit.
According to authorities, Lairy refused to show deputies and troopers his empty hands and was seen leaning over the center console of the vehicle. They indicate the driver complied with commands and attempted to exit the vehicle, but Lairy reached over the driver and pushed on the accelerator in an attempt to use the vehicle to escape. The driver was able to place the vehicle in park and flee to the deputies. Mr. Lairy’s actions needlessly escalated the danger level of the situation and could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. Lairy reportedly refused to surrender and a K9 was deployed into the vehicle, and bit Lairy while he was being taken into custody. He was treated at Deaconess Hospital before being booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office and Evansville Police Department detectives assigned to the Joint Drug Task Force report they seized over $3,500, baggies of marijuana and pills from Lairy, and a subsequent search of his residence revealed more narcotics and a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
Lairy was charged with Criminal Confinement as a Level 2 Felony, Dealing Methamphetamine as a Level 3 Felony, Possession of Marijuana as a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of a Firearm by Felon as a Level 4 Felony, Dealing Marijuana as a Level 6 Felony, Dealing Scheduled Substance a Level 3 Felony, Dealing Cocaine as a Level 5 Felony.
