Evansville, IN – A 26-year-old man was arrested late Saturday night after allegedly biting an off-duty police officer while being detained at the Ford Center in Evansville.
Dalton Baillieul was initially removed from the venue earlier in the evening for causing a disturbance. However, police say Baillieul returned to the Ford Center later and was stopped by security. Despite being asked multiple times to leave the premises, Baillieul refused, even after being warned that he would be arrested if he did not comply.
An off-duty officer, who was working at the Ford Center at the time, responded to the situation. According to the affidavit, the officer and security staff had to take Baillieul to the ground in order to place him in handcuffs. As he was being placed into the back of a squad car, Baillieul continued to resist.
The officer reported using a “pressure point behind the left ear” to gain Baillieul’s compliance while attempting to secure him in the car. It was during this moment, police say, that Baillieul turned his head and bit the officer’s pinky finger, breaking the skin.
After the incident, Baillieul was taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he later apologized several times to the officer. Police also noted that Baillieul appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the altercation.
Baillieul has been charged with multiple offenses, including resisting law enforcement, battery against a public safety official, criminal trespass, public intoxication, and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held without bond.
The incident highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement to manage unruly behavior at public events, particularly when alcohol is involved.
