Two Men Arrested for Stealing Disabled Vehicle from I-69

Officials say the suspects towed the victim's car without permission and caused damage to a road sign.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car side mirror or tail light lens, capturing the harsh, gritty details of the crime scene without depicting any violence or victims.The aftermath of a brazen theft of a disabled vehicle on the side of I-69 exposes the vulnerability of stranded drivers and the need for greater security measures.Evansville Today

Two men, Barry Caldwell and Larry Recar, have been arrested and charged after allegedly stealing a disabled vehicle that was left on the shoulder of I-69 in Evansville, Indiana. The victim had left her car on the side of the highway after getting a flat tire, but when she returned later, the vehicle was missing. Authorities say the suspects towed the car without the owner's consent, causing damage to a road sign in the process.

Why it matters

Vehicle theft and property damage are significant issues in the Evansville area, with the I-69 corridor being a common target for such crimes. This incident highlights the vulnerability of disabled vehicles left unattended and the need for stronger measures to protect drivers in distress on the side of the highway.

The details

According to the police affidavit, on March 20, deputies spotted the victim's white vehicle on the side of the road with a flat front tire and a damaged right front fender, indicating it had hit a sign. Barry Caldwell was waiting in the passenger seat of a red Dodge truck, and Larry Recar was in the driver's seat. Caldwell admitted that Recar had used a yellow tow strap to pull the white vehicle from the I-69/Green River Road area. The victim later confirmed that she had not contacted anyone to tow her vehicle and did not know Caldwell or Recar. On April 9, the two men were arrested during a traffic stop when deputies recognized the vehicle they were in as the one involved in the March 20 incident.

  • On March 19, the victim's vehicle had a flat tire and was left on the shoulder of I-69.
  • On March 20, deputies spotted the victim's vehicle with damage and the two suspects in another vehicle.
  • On April 9, Caldwell and Recar were arrested during a traffic stop.

The players

Barry Caldwell

One of the two men arrested for allegedly stealing the disabled vehicle from the side of I-69.

Larry Recar

The other man arrested along with Caldwell for the alleged theft of the disabled vehicle.

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and made the arrests.

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What they’re saying

“Barry admitted, Larry pulled him with a yellow tow strap from I-69/ Green River Road.”

— Barry Caldwell

“The victim told deputies she was driving her vehicle on March 19 southbound on I-69 when it ended up with a back passenger flat tire.”

— Victim

What’s next

The suspects, Barry Caldwell and Larry Recar, are currently being held in the Vanderburgh County Jail and will face charges related to the theft and property damage.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of securing disabled vehicles left on the side of the highway to prevent them from being targeted by thieves. It also underscores the need for increased patrols and security measures along major transportation corridors like I-69 to deter such crimes and protect vulnerable drivers.