Authorities said that three officers were killed by a gunman who opened fire on officers trying to serve a Kentucky warrant. The incident occurred in a rural area of eastern Kentucky. Four others were also injured.
Floyd County Sheriff’s Office Friday identified the two officers who were killed as Deputy William Petry (prestonsburg police capt. Ralph Frasure. The third officer, who succumbed to his injuries on Friday, was identified by the Kentucky State Police Saturday as Prestonsburg officer Jacob Chaffins.
Three more officers sustained injuries, according to state police. Two officers remain in stable condition while the third was treated and released.
According to an arrest citation, a second emergency management official was also hurt and a police dog died. State police confirmed that the injured official was still in hospital Saturday.
Police took 49-year-old Lance Storz into custody late Thursday night.
Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said that the responding officers were confronted with “pure hell” upon arriving on the scene.
He said, “They had no chance.”
According to the citation, Storz fired multiple shots at officers near his home on Main Street, Allen, Kentucky.
Hunt stated that four deputies responded initially, but Hunt called for backup as shots were fired at them. Hunt stated that the officers on the scene were subject to intense fire for several hours. Hunt stated that Storz surrendered following negotiations with Storz’s relatives.
Hunt stated that the deputies were serving an arrest warrant for domestic violence. The state police arrived on the scene with local officers at 6:30 p.m.
A judge from Pike County arraigned Storz Friday morning. Storz pleaded not guilty in two murders of police officers and was sentenced to 10 million bond. The original charge was attempted murder of a police officers, but a judge upgraded that to murder at the hearing. He also faces another attempted murder charge as well as assault on a service dog.
In a statement, the state police stated that they are investigating the shooting.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron posted on social media Friday that he was “heartbroken” to hear about the deaths of two law enforcement officers.
Cameron stated, “Our law enforcement displayed unimaginable heroisms and sacrifice last night against the evil.”
Kentucky Governor said, “This is another difficult day for Kentucky as they mourn the loss three brave officers and one K-9 who gave up their lives protecting the Floyd County people.” Andy Beshear released a statement on Saturday. “Britainy, I ask the commonwealth for prayers for the loved ones of Captain Ralph Frasure and Officer Jacob Chaffins. Let us all stand united in honoring the sacrifices of these heroes, and pray for the full recovery of those who have been injured.
