Indiana HVAC Tech Escapes Gunfire After Customer Dispute Turns Violent

An Indianapolis HVAC technician is speaking out after surviving a terrifying service call that nearly turned deadly last year. The incident grabbed renewed attention recently when the suspect was reportedly rearrested on a charge of violating the terms of her pretrial release. Technician Nate Baird says he was called to repair a dryer at a home on the city’s northeast side back in March of 2024. When he arrived, the customer insisted the repair should be free — claiming her appliance was under warranty. Baird explained that he was an independent contractor, not with the warranty company, and quoted her a price of $120 to replace a bad thermal fuse. She refused to pay. When Baird tried to leave, he says the woman blocked the door and pulled a pistol, demanding he fix the dryer “or she’d kill him.” Baird returned to the appliance, then made a run for it — bolting through a nearby door. That’s when Baird said he heard a shot fired behind him. Police later arrested 44-year-old Reba Wilson, who now faces multiple felony charges, including intimidation, confinement, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Wilson is charged with intimidation, pointing a firearm at another person, criminal confinement of another person, criminal recklessness, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. Baird, a Navy veteran, says the experience still weighs on him — but he’s grateful to be alive and ready to testify when the case goes to trial next year.

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