EPD on shooting: “It's not something we typically see in Evansville … it's just a horrible situation.”

WNIN

Published September 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM CDT

Evansville Police Chief Phillip Smith paused, overcome with emotion at the Monday Sept. 21news conference detailing the officer-involved shooting on Sunday, which may have left EPD officer Sam Taylor without the use of his legs. "Please forgive me if my voice gets a little shaky or if I get a little emotional, this is something very near and dear to me," he said as he began. "This is one of my officers that I'm about to discuss." — Evansville Police Chief Phillip Smith paused, overcome with emotion at the Monday Sept. 22nd news conference detailing the officer-involved shooting on Sunday, which may have left EPD officer Sam Taylor without the use of his legs. "Please forgive me if my voice gets a little shaky or if I get a little emotional, this is something very near and dear to me," he said as he began. "This is one of my officers that I'm about to discuss."

Evansville Police Department Officer Sam Taylor was severely injured in the Sunday Morning shooting incident; suspect is in jail, expected to face multiple felony charges

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry said, "this is a senseless act of violence. It was devastating to see in the instant the suspect chose to pull the trigger, lives were shattered, including his own." Terry, according to Police Chief Philip Smith, was at the hospital at 2 a.m. immediately after the shooting to see Officer Taylor. Pictured with Terry are Smith (right) and Evansville Police Sgt. Anthony Aussiecker.

Evansville Police Department (EPD) Chief Philip Smith fights to keep his voice steady while standing at the podium, during the Monday afternoon news conference.

He named the officer involved, as Probationary Officer Sam Taylor, who was shot twice. One shot grazed the left side of his head and the other struck his upper left arm.

Smith said Taylor may have lost the use "of his lower extremities."

“He ran toward the danger … that other people run away from,” Smith said. “He's a hero, and while we're devastated for his family and for our officers and for our community, we find comfort in knowing that God was with Sam, and that's why he's still with us.”

Chew was shot by police with non-life threatening injuries. After recovering in the hospital, he was released and arrested, currently in the Vanderburgh County jail.

The incident started at around 1:30 am, Sunday, Sept. 21. Officers observed a blue 2019 Toyota Corolla that had previously been reported as stolen in the area.

Smith said the vehicle was occupied by two young black males, including Chew, and it entered the Rally's parking lot. Officers successfully surrounded the vehicle with their patrol units on all sides, and prevented the suspects from using the stolen vehicle to flee.

Smith played a video of both suspects fleeing the scene on foot, while leaving the vehicle in gear.

While one officer detained the minor, age 15, with a taser, Taylor pursued Chew on foot. Chew attempted at gun point, to steal a vehicle from the nearby gas station.

Chew allegedly fired upon Taylor before he could pull his own duty weapon. Taylor’s partner, Officer Seth Gorman, was behind Taylor. He then exchanged gunfire with Chew, disabling him.

Smith took a moment during the news conference to speak directly to Chew, who just turned 18 last month.

“I want you to know something, Jailani. You're going to spend the best years of your youth in a cage,” Smith said. “You chose a life of chaos and destruction, and now that life will place you alongside like minded individuals that chose the same lifestyle. May God be with you, young man.”

Chew is facing multiple felony charges — two counts of attempted murder — level one, one count robbery — level three, one count resisting arrest — level five, and six counts of criminal recklessness.

Smith said in his entire career in the EPD, he’s never seen such an incident.

“It's not something we typically see in Evansville that we train and prepare for it,” he said. “It's just a horrible situation.”

He said Taylor has a long road to recovery ahead, but he, and the department, have received overwhelming support form the community, and beyond.

At the Sept. 22 news conference, EPD Chief Philip Smith shares the still frame from officer Sam Taylor's body camera footage — the frame that allegedly shows suspect Jailani Chew taking a shooting position, at Taylor.

Smith said Gorman is on paid administrative leave per department policy, following the shooting. The ballistics of both firearms will be studied, and there will be an internal investigation.