Three men were arrested early Tuesday morning after officers stopped a vehicle seen leaving the scene of a shooting that damaged two homes, according to the Owensboro Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired in the 1200 block of East 5th Street shortly after midnight, according to a release from OPD. Witnesses provided a description of the suspects and their vehicle, which officers located within minutes just a few blocks from the scene, authorities said.
Three individuals matching the description were taken into custody. Officers recovered two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun from the vehicle, according to OPD, and authorities said the evidence collected at the scene was consistent with the firearms seized.
Both homes struck by gunfire were occupied at the time, but no injuries were reported.
Detectives with OPD’s Criminal Investigations Division interviewed the suspects before all three were arrested and charged with felonies.
According to OPD, the suspects and their charges are as follows:
- Winston Smith, 30, of Owensboro:
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree – Discharge of Firearm (2 counts)
- Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon
- Nickolas Rogers, 26, of Owensboro:
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree – Discharge of Firearm (2 counts)
- Trace Dowell, 20, of Owensboro:
- Wanton Endangerment, 1st Degree – Discharge of Firearm (2 counts)
- Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon
- Using Restricted Ammunition During a Felony (Shot Fired, No Injury)
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be pending, according to OPD.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact OPD at 270-687-8888 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 270-687-8484.
