Evansville Man Arrested for Drunk Driving After Crashing Into Tree With Kids in Car

Officials say the man had a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 38-year-old Evansville man was arrested on Friday for drunk driving after he crashed his car into a tree with two children in the backseat. Police found evidence of alcohol, including an open beer can and a bottle of tequila, in the vehicle. The man's blood alcohol content was measured at 0.183, more than twice the legal limit. The children were taken to the hospital, with one sustaining minor injuries.

Why it matters

Drunk driving incidents involving children are especially concerning, as they put innocent lives at risk. This case highlights the need for continued education and enforcement around impaired driving laws to protect vulnerable passengers.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Travis Carson-Lambert's car sustained heavy front-end damage after hitting the tree at a high rate of speed. Officers found an open cup smelling of alcohol, a punctured beer can, and an opened Twisted Tea in the vehicle. Lambert initially told police he must have had a seizure while driving, but he failed sobriety tests and was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.183, well above the legal limit of 0.08. A bottle of tequila was also discovered in his pants pocket.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Lambert was arrested and booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail following the crash.

The players

Travis Carson-Lambert

A 38-year-old Evansville man who was arrested for drunk driving after crashing his car into a tree with two children in the backseat.

Evansville Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the crash and arrested Lambert.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Lambert is being held without bond and will face charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger under 18, endangerment, two counts of neglect, driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or more, and driving with an open container.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of holding impaired drivers accountable, especially when children are involved. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and education to prevent such incidents and protect vulnerable road users.