Evansville police respond to a check-welfare call on a possibly suicidal person. Police learned that the man had taken several narcotics and was in possession of a gun.
The man was not at his apartment, but police were able to get a vehicle description and put out a BOL (be on lookout) for the car.
It was spotted by an off duty police officer who followed the car until an on-duty unit could catch up, and when that happened the chase was on.
The pursuit continued in the blocks around Plaza Park School, at which a graduation was proceeding. The car finally pulled into the school parking lot and the driver got out and ran toward the school.
But police had already contacted the school and it was placed on lock-down. There was a civilian outside the door who managed to knock the man down and permit officers on foot to catch up with him. He was arrested without further incident.
The man was taken to a hospital for psychological and physical evaluation, and may face charges later relating to the chase. It’s unclear at this time whether a weapon was found.
There was no interaction with students, though police believe a relative of the man was attending the graduation exercise inside. There was never any danger to students or attendees.
