Full Notification

On July 26, 2025, at approximately 10: 15 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch was notified via a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) that the Evansville Police Department had been involved in brief vehicle pursuit of a White 4 door Buick over a traffic infraction.  A decision was made to terminate the pursuit, but after running the suspected driver 30-year-old Austin Butcher of Evansville it was discovered that the driver had an active Felony Theft Warrant through Warrick County.  Further investigation found that Mr. Butcher had an active and open case through Evansville for threats to a person. 
 
Once the BOLO was put out, law enforcement personnel tracked the vehicle to the rural Cynthiana area.  Deputy Bart Wagner was at the Posey/ Gibson County Line when he observed the vehicle traveling the opposite direction of him.  At that point Deputy Wagner turned around and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop.  Upon turning around the suspect vehicle accelerated to speeds over 100 mph as officers gave chase.  The vehicle was pursued by law enforcement officers through the towns of Johnson and Owensville.  As the vehicle exited Owensville and took county roads towards Princeton an officer with the Princeton Police Department deployed stop sticks on White Church Road in Princeton.  The vehicle, a White 2013 Buick continued Northbound before colliding with a Maroon 2020 Ford Truck at the intersection of White Church Road and State Road 64.  Mr. Butcher was promptly taken into custody while emergency service personnel treated the driver and passenger of the Ford truck for non-life threatening, but serious injuries.  The wounded couple were transported to an area hospital.  Mr. Butcher was taken to Deaconess Gibson where he was medically cleared to go to the Gibson County Detention Center. 
 
Mr. Butcher is being charged with: Reckless Driving, Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, and Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle Involving Serious Bodily Injury.  In addition to criminal charges Mr. Butcher was issued numerous citations.
 
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and more charges may be filed. 
 
The Indiana State Police are investigating the traffic accident and assisted in the pursuit of the fleeing Felon.  The Princeton Police Department also assisted in this incident.  Additionally, the Gibson County Ambulance Service as well as the Patoka Township Fire and Princeton Fire Departments responded to the traffic accident.   
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.