Evansville man arrested after resisting and battering trooper during traffic stop

GIBSON CO. – Sunday, September 24, at approximately 10:35 p.m., Trooper Hurley stopped the driver of a 1995 Buick on US 41 near County Road 350 North for having a defective taillight and expired registration.

The driver was identified as Austin Ricks, 25, of Evansville.  

Austin Ricks

Trooper Hurley detected signs of impairment and an odor of cannabis inside the vehicle. During field sobriety tests, Ricks resisted, and a physical confrontation ensued.

Ricks was taken into custody after being tased by Trooper Hurley. Ricks was treated at the scene and transported to Gibson General Hospital in Princeton where he was treated, released, and then transported to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on bond on charges of battery on a police officer, resisting law enforcement, and driving while intoxicated.

Trooper Hurley received minor injuries during the confrontation and did not require medical treatment.