Owensboro Police Department patrol officers responded to reports of vehicle break-ins during the overnight hours in the Boarman Drive area, according to a department release.
The first arriving officer located two suspects standing in a nearby driveway, both dressed in black clothing, with one armed with a rifle, OPD said. As the officer confronted the individuals, a vehicle occupied by a third suspect backed out of a neighboring driveway, striking the officer’s marked cruiser before fleeing at a high rate of speed, according to the release.
OPD said the two suspects in the driveway fled on foot and discarded the rifle over a nearby fence.
Additional officers observed the fleeing vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit, OPD said. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a ditch near Apollo High School, according to the release. Police said the suspect exited the vehicle, fled on foot a short distance, and was apprehended.
OPD identified the suspect as 18-year-old Avery Buckner of Owensboro. According to the release, Buckner was charged with criminal mischief in the first degree; fleeing or evading police in the first degree – motor vehicle; reckless driving; fleeing or evading police in the second degree – on foot; tampering with physical evidence; and theft by unlawful taking – auto.
The vehicle Buckner was operating was reported stolen shortly after the incident, OPD said. Police also reported that the rifle discarded by one of the fleeing suspects was recovered.
Officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate the remaining suspects, according to the release. OPD said anyone with information or video surveillance related to the incident is asked to contact the department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. The investigation remains ongoing.
