Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
Man faces charges for firing handgun
By Margie Wuebker
A Celina man faces a felony charge after he allegedly fired shots in the direction of a home in the 400 block of North Brandon Avenue. The incident occurred at 3:58 a.m. Sunday during Lake Festival weekend.
Robert Mowery, 34, 614 Lisle St., is being held at the Mercer County Jail on a $500,000 bond following an initial appearance Monday in Celina Municipal Court. A preliminary hearing in the tampering with evidence case is set for Aug. 5.
Celina Police responded to North Brandon Avenue after reports of shots fired. They found shell casings at the scene but no damage to homes in the area.
"We didn't find bullet holes and no one was injured," Slusser said. "The casings appear to be from a 9-millimeter handgun."
No suspects were found in the area but a subsequent investigation brought officers to Mowery's Lisle Street home. He barricaded himself in a bedroom and refused to talk with authorities.
Slusser is not sure whether the urging of several officers on the scene or the pleading of the suspect's mother who was in the house at the time led to his surrender without further resistance.
Mowery agreed to submit to tests for gunshot residue. However, he asked to use the bathroom first and allegedly scrubbed his hands in an attempt to remove all traces of gun powder.
Authorities are looking into reports the alleged victim - a man with whom Mowery reportedly had prior conflicts - lived in the immediate area and his home was the one targeted. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the incident.
If convicted, Mowery faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
