Kentucky — Three police officers in the US state of Kentucky were shot dead while trying to execute a warrant on a defendant in a domestic violence case.
Following the incident, police detained the suspect, 49.
When the officers arrived at the man’s residence, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt described it as “absolute hell.”
Allen, a little town in an area of eastern Kentucky with mountains and a population of just 166, sustained four additional injuries on the scene.
Deputy William Petry, canine handler Jacob Chaffins, and Capt. Ralph Frasure was the cop who perished in the incident late on Thursday.
One of the canines handled by Mr. Chaffins, K9 Drago, unfortunately, passed away.
Capt. Frasure has spent 39 years as a member of the Prestonsburg, Kentucky, police force. He served “with pride and glory up until the very last second,” according to the department.
Just before 19:00 local time, the men walked to the residence on Main Street and encountered a torrent of rifle fire (midnight GMT).
After nearly three hours of firing, suspect Lance Storz finally surrendered and was apprehended after family members were involved in the discussions.
Two counts of murdering a police officer, five counts of attempting to murder a police officer, one case of attempted homicide, and one count of first-degree assault on a police officer have been brought against him.
In a social media message, Kentucky state governor Andy Beshear stated, “This is a tough morning for our commonwealth.”
“Last night, Floyd County and our heroic first responders lost a sad battle,”
Troopers with the Kentucky State Police are in charge of the investigation.
