An 18-year-old and a 17-year-old have been charged after vandalizing an Owensboro home and stealing a vehicle, firearms, prescription medication, and other property, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
DCSO said detectives and patrol deputies arrested Brayden Jayce Markwell, 18, of the 2000 block of East 10th Street, around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday following an investigation into a burglary and vandalism at a home in the 2600 block of Sunrise Drive.
According to DCSO, the homeowners had been out of town over the Fourth of July weekend while a house sitter stayed at the residence. When they returned July 7, they found extensive damage throughout the home and discovered several items missing, including a 2008 Dodge Ram, two handguns, prescription medication, and smart watches.
Detectives interviewed the house sitter, who told investigators Markwell and his 17-year-old girlfriend had visited the home on July 4. After that visit, the house sitter noticed the truck was missing and the home had been damaged, according to DCSO.
The house sitter later confronted Markwell, who allegedly arrived driving the stolen truck, DCSO said.
Investigators determined the truck had since been involved in a hit-and-run crash in Owensboro and a separate serious crash in Breckenridge County, where the vehicle sustained extensive damage. According to DCSO, Markwell was driving the truck in both incidents.
Law enforcement officers investigating the Breckenridge County crash recovered three of the stolen smart watches from inside the truck, DCSO said.
Detectives also determined the 17-year-old girl had actively participated in the alleged crimes.
Markwell was taken to the Daviess County Detention Center following an interview with detectives. The juvenile was charged and released to the custody of a guardian.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and searching for additional stolen property. DCSO said additional charges are possible.
Markwell and the juvenile were charged with:
- Theft by unlawful taking or disposition of an automobile valued at more than $10,000
- Theft by unlawful taking or disposition of a firearm (2 counts)
- Theft by unlawful taking or disposition of controlled substances valued under $10,000
- Theft by unlawful taking or disposition (all others) valued under $10,000
- First-degree criminal mischief
