Evansville Police officer charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – An Evansville Police officer was charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after authorities say he pointed a firearm at other officers while he was “highly intoxicated”.

According to a release from the Evansville Police Department, an investigation was launched after a sergeant was notified of an incident that happened at the Fraternal Order of Police on Court Street on April 25 during a celebration to congratulate several officers who had finished their probationary period on the department. Authorities say Officer Anthony Stephenson approached three officers who arrived after FOP had closed, and attempted to get others to continue the celebration at another bar.

The three officers reportedly decided to leave, but Officer Stephenson, who was described as being “highly intoxicated” at the time, pulled a firearm from a holster and pointed it at them. After pointing the firearm, a witness confronted Stephenson and demanded that he turn over his firearm, which according to a report was not his department issued firearm.

An affidavit was completed charging Stephenson with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. On May 2, an arrest warrant was issued, and Stephenson turned himself in to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center.

EPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Anthony Aussieker said when probable cause was established to charge Stephenson, his leave was updated to unpaid administrative leave. The Police Merit Commission will vote to determine Stephenson’s punishment and his future employment with the Evansville Police Department.