Evansville Man Crashes on Railroad Tracks With Juveniles

An Evansville man was arrested on numerous charges after authorities say he had two juveniles in the vehicle he was driving when he crashed the car and damaged railroad tracks.

Crash Near Train Yard Involved Juveniles and Alcohol

According to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances near the Howell Train Yard. It was here that authorities found a vehicle in the 2700 block of Dixie Flyer Road, south of Broadway Avenue, stuck on the railroad tracks. They say there were multiple people present yelling outside the vehicle when they arrived.

Deputies Say Driver Showed Clear Signs of Intoxication

The vehicle, a gray Chevrolet Malibu, was found resting on the railroad tracks with deployed airbags, flat tires, and extensive damage to the front end. VCSO says deputies noticed the driver nearby talking on his phone, exhibiting "clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol, and unsteady balance."

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The man, later identified as 27-year-old Randall Wayne Drury, admitted to authorities that he had been drinking before the accident and had consumed "multiple alcoholic beverages several hours prior." Neither Drury nor his underage passengers were reportedly injured in the accident.

Vehicle Sustained Heavy Damage After High-Speed Turn

Authorities share that Drury had been driving at a high rate of speed, according to their preliminary investigation, when he failed to navigate a turn, driving his car onto the railroad tracks. They say the accident resulted in "substantial damage" to the railroad infrastructure. According to Sheriff Noah Robinson, CSX is assessing the damage, but he did say that one of the rail yard control switches was struck during the incident. Additionally, a witness alerted deputies that Drury and his juvenile passengers had attempted to conceal alcohol containers after the accident occurred.

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office

Suspect Failed Sobriety Test and Resisted Arrest

Drury failed the field sobriety tests administered by deputies and became "increasingly uncooperative and argumentative" as deputies carried out their investigation into the incident. While being placed under arrest, authorities say he resisted but was taken into custody without injury. Once placed inside the patrol vehicle, authorities say his behavior continued to escalate. Drury was observed behaving aggressively, yelling, and headbutting the vehicle's window. As a precaution, he was taken to a local emergency room, where authorities say the suspect caused another disturbance.

Once transported from the hospital to the Vanderburgh County Jail, Drury submitted to a certified chemical breath test. The results of the test indicated Drury had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.160%, twice the legal limit of 0.08%. Additionally, Drury has a prior conviction for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated, and he has never had a valid driver's license in the State of Indiana.

Juvenile Passengers Were Also Under the Influence

The minors involved were found to be under the influence of alcohol and were released to the custody of a parent or guardian. VCSO says referrals for minor consumption were completed.

Drury Faces Multiple Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

Drury is facing multiple charges, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office:

Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated as a Class C Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangering as a Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or Higher as a Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction as a Level 6 Felony
Neglect of a Dependent as a Level 6 Felony
Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License as a Class C Misdemeanor
Criminal Recklessness as a Class B Misdemeanor
Resisting Law Enforcement as a Class A Misdemeanor
Disorderly Conduct as a Class B Misdemeanor
Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor as a Class B Misdemeanor

Drury is currently in custody at the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond as he awaits his preliminary court appearance on June 5, 2025.