A 19-year-old woman has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after allegedly swerving her vehicle toward four pedestrians, according to the Owensboro Police Department (OPD). One of the pedestrians has also been charged for shooting at the vehicle during the incident.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening near the intersection of West 4th Street and Crabtree Avenue. OPD’s Criminal Investigations Division later identified the vehicle and its driver, Unique Johnson, of Owensboro.
During questioning, Johnson admitted to attempting to run over the individuals, according to OPD. She was subsequently arrested and charged with four counts of attempted murder. Authorities believe the vehicle may have struck two of the pedestrians, according to a release.
Police first responded to the incident following reports of gunfire shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, they detained two individuals with handguns who were seen fleeing the area, a release says.
According to OPD, surveillance footage showed four individuals walking south on the 400 block of Crabtree Avenue when a northbound vehicle swerved toward them, prompting two of the pedestrians to draw firearms and open fire on the vehicle. The vehicle briefly turned toward the group before fleeing north on Crabtree Avenue, according to OPD.
The pedestrians and the vehicle’s occupants fled the scene, the release says.
Investigators later identified one of the shooters as Franklin Dull, 19, of Owensboro. Dull has been charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, using restricted ammunition during a felony, and carrying a concealed weapon.
Police also confirmed that gunfire from the incident struck a nearby occupied building, though no injuries occurred, the release says.
A second detained individual, a 23-year-old man, was released after police determined he did not fire his weapon.
Both individuals refused to cooperate with investigators and declined to identify the vehicle, its occupants, or the two other individuals who fled on foot, according to OPD. Detectives are still working to identify the second shooter and those involved.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Owensboro Police Department at 270-687-8888 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 270-687-8484.
