An Owensboro man has been arrested and faces several charges for separate gun-related incidents. Jeffrey Wayne Jennings, 32, allegedly pointed a handgun at a Burger King employee Thursday before hitting a police officer with a vehicle. Jennings was also charged for a Monday incident where he allegedly shot an occupied vehicle.
According to reports, OPD responded at approximately 5:58 a.m. Thursday to 2401 Patriot Run (Burger King) after a man pointed a handgun at an employee. Officers later located the suspect, identified as Jennings, in the 1700 block of McConnell Avenue in a vehicle. According to OPD, when officers approached the vehicle, Jennings accelerated and struck the officer as well as a police cruiser and pole. The officer suffered minor injuries.
Jennings was arrested, and faces the following charges for the incident:
- first-degree wanton endangerment
- first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer
- trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (methamphetamine – enhancement)
- possession of drug paraphernalia
- operating a motor vehicle under the influence, first offense (aggravating circumstance)
- possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
Jennings was additionally charged with wanton endangerment from Monday’s shooting incident, as well as two outstanding warrants.
According to reports, OPD responded at approximately 8:33 p.m. Monday to the area of East Byers Avenue and J.R. Miller Boulevard for a firearm discharge. An occupied vehicle was struck one time by gunfire, but no one was injured.
