Full Notification

On April 16, 2025, at 11:31 p.m., Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Blue 2003 Mercedes-Benz after observing the vehicle failing to maintain its lane of travel on Outer South Main (Old US HWY 41).  Deputy Powell initiated a traffic stop on US 41 near County Road 350 South.  Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Powell identified the driver as 52-year-old Larry Ames of Evansville.  While speaking with Mr. Ames, Deputy Powell observed Methamphetamines in plain view as well as multiple clues that the driver was impaired.  At that point, Deputy Powell began a roadside OWI investigation.  During this investigation, Gibson County Central Dispatch advised Deputy Powell that Mr. Ames was currently on parole through the Indiana Department of Corrections.  Once the roadside query was completed, Deputy Powell placed Mr. Ames into custody.  As a result of the investigation, a Walter P22 handgun and a .22 caliber Smith and Wesson were recovered.  Also recovered on the scene were 208 grams of Methamphetamines as well as other illegal drugs.
 
Larry Ames was transported to the Gibson County Jail, where he was charged with:
Possession of Methamphetamines over 28 grams
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon
Possession of an Altered Firearm
Dealing of Methamphetamines
Dealing of Methamphetamines in Possession of a Firearm
Possession of a Legend Drug
Possession of Marijuana. 
 
Deputies Wes Baumgart and Sgt. John Fischer assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation.  Also assisting Deputy Powell were Louis Jerrell of the Fort Branch Police Department and Bryan Munnier of the Haubstadt Police Department.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.