Deputies with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded on May 15 to a report of a person with a gun at the 2300 block of Dusseldorf Drive. The incident involved a woman who said her husband had pointed a firearm at her and made threats. She was able to leave the residence safely, but deputies were informed that another long gun remained inside.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic incidents involving firearms and law enforcement response protocols. Such situations can pose risks for both victims and responding officers.
Upon arrival, deputies established a perimeter around the home and attempted to negotiate with the suspect, identified as Timothy Esparza, age 48. Negotiators communicated by phone while also using public address systems and sirens in an effort to have Esparza exit peacefully. After negotiations failed, deputies obtained a search warrant for both the residence and weapons inside.
Officers breached the front door after deploying Noise/Flash Diversionary Devices and chemical munitions to gain compliance. Outdoor drones monitored the perimeter while indoor drones helped clear rooms and locate Esparza. The Sheriff’s Office Drone Team received assistance from the Evansville Police Department Drone Unit during this process.
After chemical munitions were used, deputies saw Esparza on the second floor of his home. An arrest team entered and took him into custody without further incident. He was given medical attention on scene before being taken to a local hospital for evaluation; once cleared medically, he will be booked into jail on preliminary charges including intimidation with a firearm, resisting law enforcement, domestic battery, and pointing a loaded firearm.
The investigation is ongoing, with possible additional charges pending. Authorities remind that “the fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.”
