Evansville man arrested on multiple felonies in Vanderburgh County after boating incident

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an incident that resulted in the arrest of Dean Smith, age 24, of Evansville, for criminal confinement and battery with bodily injury.

The incident took place while Smith was boating on the Ohio River near the River Front Plaza, and a verbal argument took place with a passenger. According to witnesses, the argument became physical when Smith picked up a female and threw her down in the boat, forced her head over the boat toward the water and threatened to kill her.

Smith and the female were eventually separated by other boaters. The female complained of arm pain, but did not seek medical attention at the time. Authorities were notified of the incident at approximately 5 p.m. on July 19.  

Responding agencies included the Evansville Police Department and Indiana Conservation Officers.  The investigation is still ongoing and all subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.