Felony chase winds up in New Harmony

Special to the News

There was quite a stir in New Harmony on Monday afternoon as a wanted felon was taken into custody on March 30, 2026, following a multi-agency search that began the previous evening in Poseyville.

At approximately 8:22 p.m. on March 29, Poseyville Deputy Town Marshal Shane Martin identified 33-year-old Owensville Indiana resident Cory Leister leaving the One Stop gas station in Poseyville. Leister was known to have active felony warrants out of Gibson County, Indiana and White County, Illinois and was believed to be armed. Officers also had information that Leister had made statements indicating he would not return to prison.

Leister fled on foot after seeing officers arriving at the Dollar General. Officers were initially unable to locate Leister prompting a coordinated search involving Posey County Deputies, Posey County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, Evansville Police Department K9 unit, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, as well as aerial drone support provided by the Evansville Police Department and Black Township Fire and Rescue. Leister was not located that evening as it was believed Leister fled on a stolen bicycle prior to a perimeter being set up.

On March 30 at approximately 2:30 p.m., Posey County Deputies along with the New Harmony Town Marshal located Leister behind a residence in New Harmony. Leister again fled on a separate stolen bicycle but was later tracked to a wooded area near the New Harmony boat ramp, where he surrendered without incident after commands were issued by the Posey County Sheriff’s Office K9 Officer.

Leister was transported to the Posey County Jail and is being held without bond, as well as awaiting extradition to other jurisdictions. He was booked into jail on the following charges:

•Resisting Law Enforcement (Class A Misdemeanor)

•Theft (Class A Misdemeanor)

•Gibson County Felony Warrant

•White County Felony Warrant