An Owensboro man is facing multiple charges including wanton endangerment and unlawful imprisonment after an incident with a firearm that occurred Sunday morning, according to a report from the Owensboro Police Department.
Johnathan W. Wathen, 35, was arrested and charged with first degree wanton endangerment, second degree wanton endangerment, first degree unlawful imprisonment, and fourth degree assault (domestic violence) – minor injury (enhancement).
According to reports, OPD responded at approximately 3:32 a.m. Sunday to the 4700 block of Towne Square Court on a domestic disturbance, where Wathen assaulted and threatened bodily harm with a firearm to the victim.
The victim stated she and Wathen live together and had been arguing and drinking. The victim stated Wathen was drunk and slammed her on the bedroom floor and hurt her knee, according to the report. The victim also stated that she went to the living room to get away from Wathen, but he came into the room with a gun pointed at her while his daughter was also in the room.
The victim stated that Wathen continued to point the gun at her while he went to the door and said she could not leave, according to the report.
The victim stated she grabbed the gun, but Wathen pulled away and pulled her into the kitchen, where they continued to fight for the gun before it was discharged.
A bullet hole was located in the leg of a kitchen chair, according to the report.
The detective spoke to Wathen’s daughter, who stated that he did have a gun and pointed it at the victim. She also told the detective that Wathen and the victim did fight for the gun before it went off.
According to the report, Wathen was read his Miranda warning and stated he understood and did not want a lawyer.
Wathen stated he did have a gun but denied pointing it at the victim. He stated he did block the door but would have let the victim leave if she wanted to. Wathen also stated he did not remember the gun going off, but did say he and the victim were arguing.
