SPENCER, WV – A Roane County man faces multiple charges after West Virginia State Police say he fired several shots at two DoorDash drivers who accidentally turned down his driveway while making a delivery.
Troopers say one of the rounds struck the delivery vehicle. The drivers, Michelle Lowe, 48, and William Lowe, 57, both of Spencer, told investigators they were trying to sort out directions when the shots were fired.
Authorities arrested Larry Epling, 65, of Spencer, on Friday afternoon and later took him before magistrate court in Roane County.
Troopers say GPS took the drivers to the wrong place
Senior Trooper D.A. Goodnight responded Sept. 28 to a report of shots fired on Arnoldsburg Road in Spencer. According to police, the Lowes were delivering a DoorDash order when GPS directions sent them down a long driveway instead of to the correct location.
The drivers told investigators they were sitting inside their vehicle and trying to figure out where to go next when Epling allegedly opened fire. Police said multiple shots were fired during the encounter.
The account places the drivers in a confusing but routine delivery situation that quickly turned dangerous. State police have not said what prompted the shooting beyond the mistaken turn onto the property.
One round hit the vehicle as the couple waited in the driveway
Investigators said at least one of the shots struck the vehicle the Lowes were using for the delivery. No injuries were reported in the information released by police.
The incident happened while the pair were still attempting to determine the right route. The brief delay, according to their statements, was enough for the situation to escalate into gunfire.
DoorDash drivers often rely on navigation apps to find homes and rural driveways, and the Roane County case underscores how a wrong turn can create a serious safety risk. Police did not say whether the homeowners had any prior contact with the drivers before the shots were fired.
Epling faces charges including assault and firearm possession
Epling was charged with six counts of wanton endangerment, two counts of assault and two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charges were filed after the Sept. 28 shooting report was investigated by state police.
He was arrested around 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. Court records show he was arraigned in Roane County Magistrate Court, where bond was set at $25,000 surety.
Police said Epling posted bond and was released after the arraignment. The case will continue through the local court system as the charges move forward.
DoorDash delivery led to a criminal case in Roane County
The incident drew attention because a routine food delivery turned into a gunfire complaint in a residential area. Spencer is the county seat of Roane County, and Arnoldsburg Road is where troopers said the shots were reported.
West Virginia State Police identified the responding trooper as D.A. Goodnight. The agency’s description of the event centers on a mistaken driveway turn, a parked vehicle, and several shots fired toward the delivery drivers.
With charges now filed and bond posted, the case centers on whether Epling’s actions violated state law and how the mistaken delivery route figured into the confrontation.
