Gun Dealer Allegedly Discussed Plan to 'Shoot Some Cops' After Nero Acquitted

A man under surveillance for suspected illegal firearms dealing was recorded Monday telling a federal informant he planned to "shoot some cops" after a judge acquitted Baltimore police Officer Edward Nero.

The affidavit was filed in federal court against Robert Lee "Cowboy" Owens, 64, of North Baltimore. He was arrested Monday and charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted person, according to court records. A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in the affidavit that the criminal informant had earlier been offered a firearm by Owens and agreed with the ATF to buy it from him in a vehicle bugged with audio and video recording devices. That informant went to Owens' home and, with ATF money, bought the .22 caliber long rifle. The weapon was described in the criminal complaint as being draped with the American flag, with its serial number scratched off.

Owens was twice convicted of felonies, according to the criminal complaint, and was therefore barred from having a gun.

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