EXCLUSIVE: Evansville Home Raided, Owner Wants City to Pay
By: Tabnie Dozier
Updated: October 7, 2012
The woman who lives in an Evansville home raided by a swat team is speaking out and she says the city needs to pay. Eyewitness News Tabnie Dozier sits down exclusively with the woman. As we first reported to you Friday, EPD served a search warrant to a home in the 700 block of Bayard Park Drive. Police say the home is associated with James Williams of Las Vegas, who investigators believe has known gang affiliations. He's charged with felony criminal mischief after he was arrested for spray painting gang graffiti on at least four different buildings. Police say they were looking for more evidence to strengthen the case.
The homeowner who gives us her first name, Mandy says helping Williams better himself isn't a crime, but EPD says allowing people into your life who commit crimes, sometimes their mess can become yours. Scattered clothes, toys and busted windows are inside the home raided by Evansville police Friday. Mandy says she was at work when the raid happened, but admits she knows James Williams and his association with her address. She estimates the damage will cost thousands of dollars. She says Williams moved to Evansville for a fresh start. EPD Sergeant Jason Cullum says the forced entry is justified, never knowing what is on the other side of the door. Cullum says this outcome is unfortunate but EPD will do what is necessary to keep everyone safe. A quick decision that's left a single mother upset and on the wrong side of a raid. Mandy says EPD should not only pay for the damages but lighten up on its forceful tactics, saying she would've gladly opened the door. Sergeant Cullum says there's no guarantee that her damages will be paid for. As for Williams, he remains in the Vanderburgh County Jail with a $7,500 bond. No word on what if anything was collected from the home.
The homeowner who gives us her first name, Mandy says helping Williams better himself isn't a crime, but EPD says allowing people into your life who commit crimes, sometimes their mess can become yours. Scattered clothes, toys and busted windows are inside the home raided by Evansville police Friday. Mandy says she was at work when the raid happened, but admits she knows James Williams and his association with her address. She estimates the damage will cost thousands of dollars. She says Williams moved to Evansville for a fresh start. EPD Sergeant Jason Cullum says the forced entry is justified, never knowing what is on the other side of the door. Cullum says this outcome is unfortunate but EPD will do what is necessary to keep everyone safe. A quick decision that's left a single mother upset and on the wrong side of a raid. Mandy says EPD should not only pay for the damages but lighten up on its forceful tactics, saying she would've gladly opened the door. Sergeant Cullum says there's no guarantee that her damages will be paid for. As for Williams, he remains in the Vanderburgh County Jail with a $7,500 bond. No word on what if anything was collected from the home.
