Owensboro Man Arrested After Threatening People with Gun in Utica

Deputies seized a loaded firearm from the suspect's vehicle after the incident.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a loaded handgun magazine against a pitch-black background, the dramatic lighting and stark contrast creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent incident involving a firearm threat in Utica underscores the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation to address ongoing disputes before they escalate to dangerous confrontations.Owensboro Today

A 26-year-old man from Owensboro, Kentucky was arrested on Sunday after allegedly threatening people with a loaded handgun during a disturbance in the town of Utica. According to the Daviess County Sheriff's Office, Austin Henson produced the firearm and pointed it at several individuals before fleeing the scene. Deputies later located Henson at a local Walmart and recovered the loaded weapon from his vehicle.

Why it matters

Incidents involving firearms and threats of violence raise serious public safety concerns in small communities like Utica. This arrest highlights the need for continued law enforcement vigilance and community cooperation to address ongoing disputes before they escalate to dangerous confrontations.

The details

Witnesses reported that Henson got into an argument with someone he had an ongoing dispute with, and during the altercation he pulled out a handgun and threatened to shoot a woman and pointed the weapon at several people present. The woman was able to leave the area and report the incident to authorities. Deputies later located Henson, who admitted to his role in the confrontation and stated the firearm seen in video footage was real. The loaded weapon was seized from Henson's vehicle and logged into evidence.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 30, 2026 in the 10800 block of Mill Street in Utica.
  • Henson was located and arrested a short time later at a Walmart on Frederica Street.

The players

Austin Henson

A 26-year-old man from Owensboro, Kentucky who was arrested and charged after allegedly threatening people with a loaded handgun during a disturbance in Utica.

Daviess County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, located the suspect, seized the firearm, and made the arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He told deputies he had gone to Mill Street to visit family but encountered someone with whom he had an ongoing dispute with and had been wanting to fight and that when he saw him he 'lost it.'”

— Austin Henson

What’s next

Henson was taken to the Daviess County Detention Center and faces charges related to the incident. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the need for conflict resolution and de-escalation training, as well as strong community-police partnerships, to prevent isolated disputes from escalating into dangerous confrontations involving firearms. Responsible gun ownership and storage is also crucial to public safety.