PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WSIP) — The Kentucky State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened early Sunday morning in Johnson County.
According to KSP, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Main Street in Paintsville. The investigation was requested by KSP Post 9 in Pikeville and is being handled by the agency’s Critical Incident Response Team.
Preliminary findings indicate a Paintsville Police Department officer was on foot patrol when he spotted a parked motorcycle matching the description of one reported stolen. Shortly afterward, the officer encountered 37-year-old Shawn Gayheart of Salyersville, who fled on foot.
Police say the officer caught up with Gayheart, and a physical altercation followed. A second officer arrived to assist, and both officers deployed tasers to gain control, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The officers then fired their weapons, striking Gayheart.
Officers provided medical aid at the scene until EMS arrived. Gayheart was taken to Pikeville Medical Center, where he is listed in stable condition.
Investigators say a knife and a firearm were recovered at the scene.
KSP says the investigation remains ongoing. As is standard procedure, additional details will be released once key witnesses have been interviewed and more facts are confirmed.