BEDFORD — A 17-year-old involved in a violent encounter at a local gas station has been moved to adult court, facing severe felony charges, including attempted murder.
On Monday, prosecutors officially charged Elijah D. York, 17, of Hardinsburg, as an adult. The charges stem from a shooting on January 5 that sent bystanders ducking for cover at the Speedway gas station located at the intersection of State Road 37 and US 50 West.
At approximately 9:46 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, Lawrence County dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Witnesses described a passenger in an SUV opening fire on two individuals following a verbal dispute.
The SUV fled southbound on State Road 37 as bullets struck both the victims’ vehicle and nearby gas pumps. While the scene was riddled with ballistic evidence, Sheriff Greg Day confirmed that no one was injured in the “senseless” display of violence.
Originally detained in a juvenile facility, York now faces the following charges in adult court of attempted murder, obstruction of justice, and possession of a firearm by a dangerous person
York’s co-defendant, Talon Briem, 18, of Orleans, was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into the Lawrence County Jail on charges of attempted murder, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and pointing a loaded firearm.
The swift apprehension of the suspects was the result of a multi-agency effort. Following the shooting, Lawrence County detectives worked through the night with the Orleans Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
By Tuesday morning, authorities tracked the suspects to two locations: a residence in Hardinsburg and a home in Orleans. Evidence was recovered at both scenes, leading to the arrests of the two teens.
“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.”
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
