A Henderson man was shot in both legs while searching for his dog.
No arrests have been made, but city police said an 18-year-old Henderson man has been identified as a person of interest.
According to HPD Lt. John Nevels, the incident occurred just after 1 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1 in the 1400 block of Cumnock Street.
“(The alleged suspect) was standing on the sidewalk when the victim drove his SUV down the street looking for his dog,” the detective told the Hendersonian.
“He had to slow down to drive safely through the street and a (young adult male) asked him who he was looking for. The victim said he was looking for his dog. The victim lives in the area, and that’s why he was searching for the animal on Cumnock Street,” Nevels said.
The HPD detective said there isn’t any evidence to indicate the victim and the alleged shooter know each other.
For unknown reasons, the 18-year-old, who stopped and questioned the victim, became angry, Nevels said. He then allegedly produced a handgun and fired into the air, police said.
“Next, he pointed the gun at the SUV and shot multiple times into the victim’s vehicle,” the HPD lieutenant said. (Investigators declined to release the caliber of the gun.)
Authorities said the victim—who was alone in the vehicle—was struck in both legs by bullets.
“The victim took off … and got away from the shooter,” Nevels said. After being dispatched to the area, “police officers tracked (the victim) to his residence … It all happened pretty quick, and they were able to get him an ambulance.”
Meanwhile, the alleged suspect fled the scene, officials said.
As the investigation unfolded, Nevels said, “We were able to develop a person of interest in this case. He is an 18-year-old biracial man. He is around 5 ‘11” with a stocky build. He has brown hair.”
Police said once a suspect is apprehended, he will be charged with first-degree assault.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the whereabouts of the possible suspect can contact Nevels at the Henderson Police Department at 270-831-1295.
