OPD: 3 arrested after a shootout before night, in which 2 houses were damaged

Three men were arrested early Tuesday morning after the officers stopped a vehicle that, according to the Owensboro Police Department, left the place of a shootout that damaged two houses.

The officials responded to reports about several shots that were fired shortly after midnight in the 1200 block of the East 5th Street. Witnesses provided a description of the suspects and their vehicle, which the officials were only a few blocks away from the scene within a few minutes, the authorities said.

Three people who agreed with the description were taken into custody. According to OPD, the officers have returned two invited handguns and a loaded shotgun from the vehicle, and the authorities said that the evidence collected at the scene agreed with the confiscated firearms.

Both houses hit shots were occupied at this time, but no injuries were reported.

Detective with the Department of Criminal Investigations by OPD interviewed the suspects before all three were arrested and accused of crimes.

According to the OPD, the suspects and their fees are as follows:

• Winston Smith, 30, Owensboro:
  • Various hazard, 1st degree – unloading of the firearm (2 counts)
  • Ownership of a pistol by a convicted criminal
• Nickolas Rogers, 26, from Owensboro:
  • Various hazard, 1st degree – unloading of the firearm (2 counts)
• Trace Dowell, 20, from Owensboro:
  • Various hazard, 1st degree – unloading of the firearm (2 counts)
  • Ownership of a pistol by a convicted criminal
  • With limited ammunition during a crime (fired shot, no injury)

According to the OPD, the examination can continue and additional fees can be pending.

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to contact OPD under 270-687-8888 or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stopper at 270-687-8484.