Bowling Green Officer Credits Ride-Along for Saving His Life
In a shocking turn of events that unfolded last summer, Bowling Green Officer Matt Davis found himself in life-threatening danger while responding to a routine call at America’s Car Mart. Fast forward less than a month after the incident, and Davis shared some harrowing details of that fateful day, attributing his survival to a brave act by his civilian ride-along.
A Day Like No Other
On July 6, 2023, Officer Davis responded to a disturbance report. Little did he know, this would quickly escalate. Esteban Lowery, the man at the center of the disturbance, had a 9-millimeter pistol and wasn’t afraid to use it. In a police interview recorded at TriStar Skyline Medical Center, Davis revealed, “I would’ve got killed. There’s no doubt that [my ride-along] saved my life because had he not engaged Mr. Lowery, I was at the mercy of Mr. Lowery.”
The Civilian Ride-Along Steps In
During the chaos, it turned out that the ride-along, a U.S. Army specialist stationed at Fort Campbell, took matters into his own hands. He had been hiding behind a desk with an employee when he saw his chance. Emerging from his hideout during a lull in the gunfire, the ride-along managed to subdue Lowery by using a choke hold.
In dramatic fashion, BGPD officers who showed up shortly after heard him declaring that Lowery was dead, claiming, “I’ve strangled him!” It was a moment that not only showcased his bravery but also likely saved Officer Davis’s life.
Understanding the Incident
After filing an open records request, many details surrounding the shooting emerged. A mountain of documents revealed how quickly things went sideways. Just a minute after Davis arrived, Lowery turned violent, firing multiple shots that hit the officer in critical areas including his legs, arms, and torso.
The investigation conducted by the Kentucky State Police concluded with nowhere to assign blame on Davis or his ride-along. A grand jury decided against any criminal charges in connection with Lowery’s death, with their report indicating a lack of sufficient evidence to pursue legal action.
What the Reports Reveal
Reports show that Lowery fired a staggering 16 rounds in just over six seconds. Meanwhile, Officer Davis didn’t even have time to draw his weapon. He was desperately trying to alert everyone around him and seeking cover as the situation escalated.
A Glimpse Into the Investigation
Efforts to piece together what happened reveal the rapid buildup to the chaos. Lowery was troubled and belligerent even before Davis arrived. He had been making wild claims about car titles and money, which further fueled the disturbance. The moment Davis entered, tension ran high.
Investigators Probe the Scene
Surveillance footage captured the entire altercation, detailing Davis’s frantic movements as he tried to escape the gunfire. It became evident that he had no intention of engaging Lowery in a gun battle, especially with bystanders in such close proximity.
Heroics Under Pressure
The ride-along’s quick actions became crucial. After Lowery ceased fire, he came out swinging, tackling Lowery to the ground, proving that he was not only a bystander but an active participant in saving Davis’s life. During interviews, he stated, “At this point, I might not even be talking to you,” emphasizing how critical his intervention was.
A Look Back
Upon reflection, Officer Davis expressed immense gratitude for the ride-along’s involvement. He had not anticipated how dire the situation would become. “It was a nightmare situation, it got real bad real quick,” Davis remarked, a testament to the unpredictable nature of law enforcement.
A Call for Awareness
Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by police officers daily, especially when they are in unpredictable environments. Davis’s experience highlights the role civilians can play in emergency situations and how their actions can have life-altering consequences.
Ultimately, while Officer Davis endured a traumatic experience, he is thankful to share his story, promoting awareness about the importance of readiness and courage—both from law enforcement and the community.
