On Dec. 21, 2024, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 16 in Henderson was requested by the Owensboro Police Department (OPD) to investigate an officer-involved shooting in the city limits of Owensboro. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The preliminary investigation indicates that officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at a residence on Orchard Street, where they encountered 43-year-old Marcello C. Johnson of Owensboro inside the home. Mr. Johnson was in the kitchen of his sister’s residence holding a knife, refusing to leave and making threats toward his sister and her children.
After several verbal commands to drop the knife that Mr. Johnson did not comply with and to protect those inside the residence, Owensboro Police Officer Michael Cory Johnson, 33, and Sergeant Anthony Williams, 49, both of Owensboro, discharged their agency issued firearms, striking Mr. Johnson and resulting in injuries to the suspect. He was transported to Owensboro Health for treatment and has since been released. Mr. Johnson is being held at the Daviess County Detention Center in Owensboro, facing charges of Assault 4th Degree – Domestic Violence, Menacing, Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree, and Resisting Arrest.
Officer Michael Cory Johnson has been with the Owensboro Police Department for six years, while Sergeant Anthony Williams has served for 16 years.
