A Clarksville, Indiana, man was arrested and charged with 20 counts of wanton endangerment Tuesday morning after firing a handgun multiple times from his vehicle at another motorist on U.S. 60 East, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a release, at approximately 11 a.m. on February 18, Owensboro-Daviess County Central Dispatch received a complaint regarding a firearm discharge near the intersection of U.S. 60 East and Hawes Boulevard. The caller reported that a male subject in a black pickup truck had fired multiple shots in the direction of another driver before fleeing eastbound on U.S. 60.
DCSO patrol deputies responded to the area and located the suspect — eventually identified as 40-year-old Jason Brown — a short time later, sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of Owensboro Racing and Gaming, authorities said. According to DCSO, deputies ordered Brown to exit his vehicle during a felony traffic stop, at which time he repeatedly stated “shoot me” before being forcefully taken into custody.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a .45 caliber handgun, a 9mm handgun, multiple rounds of ammunition, marijuana, digital scales, a pipe, and other drug paraphernalia, the release says. Deputies also recovered shell casings from the intersection, which were taken into evidence.
Following his arrest, Brown admitted to deputies and detectives that he had been using illegal drugs, according to the release. He was transported to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital for a blood test and treatment of minor abrasions sustained during his arrest, authorities said. Once medically cleared, he was charged and lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.
DCSO stated that there is no known connection between Brown and the victim in this case. No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting, and detectives continue to investigate a possible motive.
Brown was charged with 20 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for the incident. He was also charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, possession of marijuana (firearm enhance) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
