Evansville Woman Arrested for Driving Intoxicated
Deputies arrested Wendy Payne after finding her vehicle stopped in the middle of Van Ness Avenue.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Drug Crime
Deputies arrested 58-year-old Wendy Payne on a charge of driving while intoxicated after discovering her vehicle stopped in the middle of Van Ness Avenue. A breath test revealed a blood alcohol content of .228.
Why it matters
The arrest comes as Payne faces ongoing scrutiny regarding her criminal history, which includes a previous conviction for reckless homicide in 2021. The incident highlights the continued risks posed by repeat offenders on local roads.
Wendy Payne is currently being held on a $2,500 bond following her arrest. She has a documented history that includes a 2021 reckless homicide conviction and a separate driving while intoxicated conviction in Henderson this past July.
The players
Wendy Payne
She is a 58-year-old individual who was recently arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Edward Payne
He was the husband of the suspect who was killed in a 2019 incident.
The details
Deputies located Payne near Kedzie Avenue shortly after midnight on Monday. A subsequent breath test confirmed the high blood alcohol level that led to her arrest.
Timeline
2019: Wendy Payne killed Edward Payne.
2021: Wendy Payne was convicted of reckless homicide.
July 2026: Wendy Payne was convicted of driving while intoxicated.
October 12, 2026: Wendy Payne was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Legal Context
This incident follows a pattern set by the 2021 reckless homicide conviction. The latest arrest signals a potential return to the criminal justice system for an individual with a history of serious legal offenses.
Residents in the area near Van Ness Avenue should remain alert to potential traffic hazards caused by impaired drivers. The arrest ensures the suspect is currently off the streets while she remains in custody on bond.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders with histories of serious traffic-related crimes remain a significant safety concern for community members. Local authorities continue to rely on routine traffic stops to identify and remove impaired drivers from public roads.
Further reading
For more on local enforcement efforts, visit Evansville Drug Crime.
