On July 31, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a Personal Injury Accident on US 41 near State Road 68 involving a Semi and a passenger car. Multiple emergency service personnel were dispatched to the scene and upon arriving law enforcement began an investigation into the incident by collecting statements, video, and other evidence from the scene. While speaking with the driver of the 2010 Ford Fusion Deputy Wyatt Hunt detected clues that the driver may be under the influence. At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation. Once the inquiry was completed the driver, 19-year-old Mericko Bennett of Evansville was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Refusal, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Recklessness and Reckless Driving.
Deputy Wyatt Hunt was assisted in his investigation by Deputies Wyatt Lashbrook, Bart Wagner, and Haubstadt Officer Jason Marceaux.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
