Police: Man wanted confrontation with cops so he could talk to media about political views
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — An Evansville man was arrested on Tuesday, after police said he had tried to set up a dangerous situation on Sunday, February 17.
Kenneth Haynie Jr., 67, was arrested by the EPD Viper Unit when he came out of his house to take out the trash.
On Saturday, February 16, a family member of Haynie called the police and said Haynie had talked about initiating a confrontation so that he could speak to the media about his political views.
Police said at that point, an officer safety alert was put into their database.
At 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, Hainey called 911 and said his wife was tied up in his home and he was holding her at knifepoint.
Police said Hainey gave them instructions on how to respond but never made specific threats to officers or the public.
Officers believed he was following through on a plan to initiate a standoff.
Hainey’s wife was located by police at another location, so police said they knew Hainey lied in his 911 call.
At 8:55 p.m. Sunday, officers contacted him via text message, police said.
Hainey did not make any threats, police said. He was told he needed to come out.
At this point, officers said false informing was the only crime he had committed. Police said they decided it was best to leave the area at that time to deescalate the situation.
On Tuesday, February 19, a judge signed a false informing warrant. Due to mental health issues and claims to 911 that he was armed, officers decided the safest way to arrest him was to wait until he came out of his home.
He was arrested at 4:44 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19 when the EPD Viper Unit saw he was taking out the trash.
Hainey was arrested without incident.
Because of the Indiana Red Flag Law, officers were able to seize 10 firearms and ammunition from the home.
Over the next 14 days, a hearing will take place where police will have to argue that the firearms shouldn’t be in the home due to a threat to himself or community.
Police said all firearms were loaded and ready to fire – laid out around the home. Police said they believed this was so he could move from room-to-room and still have access to firearms.
According to police, his mail slot had been modified to allow him to fire at those entering his house.