Gunman convicted of attempted murder for shooting man during 2023 robbery

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A pair of Air Jordans led detectives to identify Austen Fowler, 31, as the man who shot at a robbery victim in 2023, according to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Austen Fowler, 31, was found guilty of the charge at a jury trial this week.

Authorities said on May 2nd, 2023, Fowler was one of two men who attempted to rob a man at a home in the 3000 block of 7th Street.

The victim said two men, armed with guns and wearing masks, approached his vehicle and made demands. When the victim put his car in drive, the assailants began shooting at him.

He was able to transport himself to a local hospital after suffering bullet damage to his arm and face.

Fowler’s Air Jordan shoes led detectives to identify him from surveillance video.

Fowler eluded police for weeks and was captured on June 2nd, 2023 after he barricaded himself in a home in the 2000 block of Marshall Street.

Police said they found two stolen vehicles, a loaded handgun, cannabis, cocaine, LSD, fentanyl, and mushrooms during a search of the property.

A jury convicted him on the charge of Attempted Murder after hearing witness testimony, and saw evidence of pre-shooting surveillance video and call detail records during the trial, the State’s Attorney’s Office said.

Fowler faces up to 50 years in prison. He is due back in court on October 8th.

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