DCSO: Man brandishes handgun at bus stop; 2 people arrested following short chase

June 8, 2023 | 2:45 pm

Updated June 8, 2023 | 2:45 pm

Lionel E. Rhodes and Thelicia D. Wardell

Two people were arrested Wednesday evening after a man pointed a gun at two people at a bus stop then tried to flee police, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a release, detectives with DCSO and Kentucky State Police were in the 400 block of Saint Ann Street at approximately 5 p.m. when they observed a gray SUV pull up to the Owensboro Transit Bus Office. 

DCSO said that a male subject — who they later identified as Lionel E. Rhodes, 49 — exited the SUV with a handgun. Detectives said they observed Rhodes point the handgun at two people at the bus stop and yell at them. 

According to DCSO, detectives quickly approached Rhodes and identified themselves “with duty weapons and badges visible.” DCSO said a female — later identified as Thelicia D. Wardell, 34 — exited the SUV and joined the altercation. 

“Detectives were giving loud commands identifying themselves and telling Rhodes to drop the weapon,” according to DCSO. “Wardell re-entered the SUV in the driver’s seat and Rhodes jumped into the passenger seat of the SUV. Wardell and Rhodes then fled from the scene in their SUV. Detectives followed after the SUV with their emergency lights and sirens activated.”

Per the release, Wardell and Rhodes pulled over in the 700 block of Triplett Street, where they were taken into custody. The handgun was located in the SUV along with additional ammunition and narcotics, according to DCSO.

Wardell and Rhodes were charged and lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.

Rhodes was charged with two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree fleeing/evading police (motor vehicle), and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

Wardell was charged with first-degree fleeing/evading police (motor vehicle) and first-degree possession of a controlled substance (1st offense; drug unspecified).

June 8, 2023 | 2:45 pm

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