BEDFORD — A verbal dispute at a local gas station turned into a life-threatening encounter Monday night, resulting in the arrest of two teenagers on felony charges, including attempted murder.
At approximately 9:46 p.m. on Monday, January 5, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office received urgent 911 calls reporting multiple shots fired at the Speedway gas station located at the intersection of State Road 37 and US 50 West.
Witnesses reported that the gunfire originated from an SUV that fled the scene southbound on State Road 37 immediately after the shots were fired. Sheriff’s Deputy Clifford Pruett and Sergeants Whitney Daugherty and Robin Compton arrived on the scene within three minutes of the call.
While no injuries were reported, investigators found evidence of a narrow escape. Bullets had struck both the victims’ vehicle and nearby gas pumps.
Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation between the occupants of the fleeing SUV and two individuals standing near another vehicle. As the SUV pulled away, a male passenger opened fire on the pair.
Through what Sheriff Greg Day described as “excellent police work,” detectives identified the SUV and all four occupants by early Tuesday morning. Working in coordination with the Orleans Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County officials tracked the suspects to two separate locations.
The vehicle and several occupants were located at a residence in Hardinsburg, while others were found at a home in Orleans.
Following a series of interviews and the recovery of evidence, two teenagers were taken into custody.
Talon Briem, 18, of Orleans: Arrested and booked into the Lawrence County Jail on charges of attempted murder, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and pointing a loaded firearm.
A 17-year-old male, of Hardinsburg was detained in a juvenile facility on charges of assisting with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
Sheriff Greg Day praised the rapid response of his deputies and the invaluable assistance of neighboring agencies, but he also issued a stark warning regarding the nature of the crime.
“Although we are extremely fortunate that no one was shot or harmed, this is an example of senseless violence when members of society lose the basic regard for the sanctity of human life,” Sheriff Day stated. “We need to find ways to resolve problems and disagreements without resorting to violence.”
The investigation remains ongoing with the assistance of the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office and the Juvenile Probation Department.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
