EPD: Refusal to address raw sewage dumping concerns leads to arrest

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – According to the Evansville Police Department (EPD), after months of attempting to resolve a public health concern by multiple organizations and city agencies with no cooperation, an arrest warrant was issued and served this morning for Luke A. Hayden, 40.

EPD says since the beginning of 2024, Hayden has been residing in a camper on a small single-plot of land in the 1300 block of East Illinois Street. There is no access to proper utilities, including sewer services. Living in a camper, outside the confines of a mobile home court, is against Evansville Municipality Code 18.130.130.

Police say Hayden has received multiple citations from the Area Plan Commission under 18.130.130, and received an Emergency Vacate Order from the Building Commission last month. In addition to the city ordinance violation, it was reported that Hayden has allegedly been discharging raw sewage from his camper. This has allegedly resulted in raw sewage flowing into neighboring yards, posing a risk for potential exposure to neighbors, children and pets in the area.

EPD says with the assistance of law enforcement, mental health services, homeless services and city departments, it was determined that law enforcement action needed to be taken due to allegedly no cooperation from Hayden to resolve these violations and concerns. Hayden has been arrested for Criminal Mischief and Malicious Mischief.

Police say a search warrant was also granted to search and seize the camper, due to it being used in the commission of a crime: leading to neighboring property damage and posing public health risks. This will also deter the continuance of this crime and potential health risks occurring in the future.

Officers say they are continuing to seek a comprehensive resolution for Hayden in the event he is experiencing a crisis; at the Vanderburgh County Jail licensed clinicians and a Mental Health Officer performed a CIT (crisis intervention) assessment. City Departments completed a clean-up of the property once the camper was removed to ensure there are no further remaining health risks for those residing or visiting the area.

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