Bowling Green, KY, August 5, 2025

News Summary

Timmy Ray Cowles, 37, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of 42-year-old Bradley Bunger after an altercation outside Dolphie’s Lounge. Initially charged with reckless homicide, the severity of Cowles’ charges escalated after Bunger’s death from injuries sustained during the incident. Cowles has been released on a $25,000 bond, with a court date scheduled for September 2025. In a related case, police are investigating a fatal shooting involving Robert Dark at Martin Auto Mart, leading to two arrests.

Bowling Green Man Faces Increased Charge After Death in Bar Altercation

Bowling Green, KY – Timmy Ray Cowles, 37, is now facing a charge of second-degree manslaughter following the death of 42-year-old Bradley Bunger. This new charge, issued on July 30, came after an indictment related to an altercation that took place outside Dolphie’s Lounge on February 22. Cowles was initially charged with reckless homicide but has seen the severity of the charges escalate following Bunger’s death.

Bunger succumbed to injuries he sustained during a confrontation with Cowles at the bar’s entrance. Surveillance video and witness accounts indicated that Cowles was seen arguing with Bunger before an altercation ensued. The video footage captured Cowles striking Bunger, which caused him to fall and hit his head on the ground. Following the incident, Bunger died two days later as a result of his injuries.

Cowles was released from the Warren County Regional Jail in March on a $25,000 cash bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2025, where the details of the charges will be addressed further.

In a separate incident, the Bowling Green Police Department is also investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on June 25 at Martin Auto Mart. The victim, Robert Dark, aged 39, was discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. Following the investigation, two arrests have been made in connection with this shooting. Darris Allen, 42, was arrested on June 30 and charged with murder by complicity, while another suspect, 46-year-old Donald Swain, was apprehended on July 10 in Louisville and is also charged as a co-conspirator in the murder.

Authorities revealed that Allen had been a business partner with Dark in a local restaurant that had recently closed, further complicating the case. Surveillance footage shows a suspect entering and exiting Martin Auto Mart just prior to the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing as police search for more information regarding the circumstances surrounding Dark’s death.

The Bowling Green community has been shaken by both of these fatalities, which highlight the violence that can erupt from altercations and the need for ongoing law enforcement efforts in the area. As investigations continue, the police encourage anyone with further information to come forward.

Key Details Summary

• Timmy Ray Cowles now faces second-degree manslaughter charge.
• Bradley Bunger died from injuries sustained during an altercation at Dolphie’s Lounge.
• The incident occurred on February 22 and Bunger died two days later.
• Cowles was initially charged with reckless homicide.
• Cowles was released on a $25,000 cash bond, with his arraignment set for September 2, 2025.
• In a separate case, Robert Dark was fatally shot at Martin Auto Mart on June 25.
• Darris Allen and Donald Swain have been arrested in connection with Dark’s murder.

Background Context

The incidents in Bowling Green over recent months underscore the rising concerns regarding violence in the community. The police department is actively working to address these concerns while ensuring justice is served in each individual case. Further developments in both investigations are anticipated as law enforcement teams remain diligent in their efforts.

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Additional Resources

• Bowling Green Daily News
• Wikipedia: Manslaughter
• WBKO News
• Google Search: Bowling Green shooting
• WNKY News

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.