A man was shot multiple times before he died, cops say. Now they’re searching for his killer

Deputies in Polk County are searching for a man they consider armed and dangerous who is wanted in connection with the death of a 35-year-old Winter Haven man who was shot multiple times.

Patrick A. Thrower, 35, of Winter Haven, was shot Monday outside a home at Avenue J Northwest and 25th Street Northwest, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived at the home to find him suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and back.

Thrower was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, but he succumbed to his injuries around 2 p.m. Monday.

Investigators learned Thrower had been invited to the home of Johnny R. Owsley by Owsley’s live-in girlfriend. When Owsley got to his home, he confronted Thrower and told him to get out, according to the sheriff’s office.

The two men went outside where Owsley shot Thrower, according to investigators.

Owsley took off in a green Dodge pickup truck, but he was last spotted in a 2004 Dodge Durango, according to the sheriff’s office.

A warrant for first-degree murder has been issued for Owsley and officials consider him armed and dangerous. He should not be approached. Deputies describe Owsley as a white man with brown hair, blue eyes, standing approximately 6-feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds.

Officials believe he man be driving a black 2004 Dodge Durango with Florida tag BTJS12.

Anyone with information on Owsley’s whereabouts vsn call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or call 911. Tips can also be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-266-TIPS.

Owsley has a previous robbery and driving with suspended license charge, according to the sheriff’s office.

This story was originally published December 12, 2017 at 10:16 AM with the headline "A man was shot multiple times before he died, cops say. Now they’re searching for his killer."