Vanderburgh County, IN — A Chicago-area man is in custody following a disturbing investigation that began with a roadside emergency call and led to the uncovering of a larger criminal scheme.
On July 31, Vanderburgh County deputies responded to University Parkway and Marx Road, where a woman reported she had been raped by an acquaintance at a local hotel. The woman said Craig Anthony Bryan, 35, threatened to kill her and her children during the assault. After Bryan fell asleep, she escaped in his truck and contacted a friend, who then called 911.
Bryan was arrested without incident and denied the allegations, but detectives recovered text messages corroborating the victim’s claims of threats. Authorities executed multiple search warrants for his vehicle, the hotel room, his cell phone, and obtained DNA samples.
Further investigation revealed Bryan had allegedly traveled to Evansville from Illinois as part of a plan to steal a small backhoe from Home Depot. He had arranged for a third party to rent the equipment in their name, intending to resell it out of state. While he had not yet picked up the equipment, the scheme was halted due to the rape investigation.
Bryan also admitted to similar thefts in Illinois and other locations between Chicago and Evansville. Authorities are now coordinating with law enforcement in other jurisdictions to investigate additional possible crimes.
Charges include:
Rape – Level 1 Felony
Intimidation – Level 6 Felony
Conspiracy to Commit Theft – Level 6 Felony
Conspiracy to Commit Organized Theft – Level 6 Felony
Bryan remains in custody as the investigation continues.
