Manchester, KY

 2/19/25 NBC News:

A 14-year-old Kentucky boy shot and killed two men attempting to steal firearms from a safe within a home early Sunday morning, police said.

Clay County 911 received a call at approximately 4:24 a.m. regarding a shooting incident in Manchester. Upon responding, Manchester Police found two individuals had been shot and requested assistance from Kentucky State Police, according to a news release from KSP.

Investigators found that the teen, who is a resident of the home, discovered the two men inside and saw them holding firearms, KSP said.

"The juvenile, acting in self-defense, retrieved a handgun and shot both men before escaping through a bedroom window," according to KSP.

Ft. Wright, KY

 10/12/20 River City News:

There will be no charges in a deadly shooting that took place Friday on Interstate 75 near Ft. Wright on Friday, Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said Friday.

A call to Kenton County Emergency Communications Center at 1:22 Friday afternoon from Joshua G. Taylor indicated that Taylor had been involved in a collision with another driver in what he described as a road rage incident. While on the phone with dispatchers, while he was stopped on the side of the highway, Taylor said that he could see the other driver approaching with a rifle.

According to a news release from Sanders's office on Monday, the 911 call recording included a verbal confrontation between Taylor and John Patrick Abell before gunshots were heard.

Taylor told dispatch that he had fired shots from his own gun and struck Abell. The call's recording shows Taylor administering first aid.

Blaine, KY

8/7/19 WSAZ:

BLAINE, Ky. (WSAZ) -- A 14-year-old girl fired a 9mm pistol at someone looking to break into her home, according to the Lawrence County Constable Association and confirmed by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday, two men in a white sedan pulled up to a home in Blaine. One got out of the car and repeatedly tried to gain entry by trying to kick in the doors.

Inside the home were three teenage girls, who responded by calling 911. They were home alone at the time, with their father at work and their mother at the store.

At one point, the man who was trying to break in circled around to the backyard and was prepared to bust open a window with a shovel.

When this was about to happen, the man and his driver began to start arguing. During that argument, the youngest of the teenage girls in the home, only 14 years old, had found and loaded the 9mm pistol.

Once she noticed the argument between the man with the shovel and the driver, she fired the gun in their general direction and they left.

Warren County, KY

Released by the Warren County Sheriff's Department.  Security camera:

Teen weekend killing ruled justifiable homicide

From Feb. 11, 2015 Louisville Courier-Journal:

The teenager who gunned down a Western High School student in a car near Shively Saturday evening was acting in self-defense, Louisville Metro Police said.

Anthony Smith Jr., 18, was one of five people killed in the city in less than a week, in a bloody beginning to 2015.

Smith's killing, ruled a justifiable homicide, will not be counted among the city's murders, which stands at 14 so far this year, including a young man found shot to death on North 26^th Street early Wednesday morning.

Louisville Argument Probably Self-Defense

Louisville, Kentucky

From October 9, 2009 WLKY:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Louisville man was shot and killed overnight. Police said the shooter may have pulled the trigger in self defense.

Alexander Harris, 24, was found shot to death in the front yard of a home on Sunset Avenue just after 1 a.m. Friday, but police aren't saying why he came to the home and just what prompted his acquaintance to fire the deadly shots.

Police said Harris came to the front porch and got into an argument with one of the four people inside."Shots were fired at that time," said Lt. Barry Wilkerson of Metro Police. "Some rounds entered the home and the others struck the victim, fatally wounding him."

Police said Harris came to the house with a gun but they won't say if he actually fired the weapon. The shooter and the victim were acquaintances and neither actually lived at the residence.

Detectives said they didn't take the shooter into custody because they didn't feel they had enough probable cause to make an arrest.

"We will further take the information we have and further testing of the evidence to the commonwealth attorney's office and have them make a determination on whether charges should be placed or not," Wilkerson said.

Kentucky: Would-Be Burglar Stopped By Homeowner

Lexington, Kentucky

From WTVQ of September 24, 2009

Would-Be Burglar Stopped By Homeowner

A Lexington man is behind bars after police say he tried to break into the wrong home overnight.

A man says he was taking a shower early this morning at his home on West Fourth Street, when he heard something just outside his house.

He told police he went around to check it out, and saw a man trying to break in through a window. That's when the homeowner grabbed a gun and held the would-be burglar at gunpoint, while he called 9-1-1.

Police later caught up with and arrested Donovan Campbell. He's now in jail, charged with burglary.

That homeowner runs a business out of his home, and he says he was tired of being broken into, so he decided to put a stop to it.

Kentucky: Suspect Shot In McCracken County Home Invasion Robbery

McCracken County, Kentucky

From WLEX of July 30, 2009

Suspect Shot In McCracken County Home Invasion Robbery

Police say a suspected burglar was shot early Thursday morning during a McCracken County home invasion.

The incident happened at about 2 a.m. at a home in the Kevil area. Tthe McCracken county sheriff says a man was trying to break into the home when a burglar alarm went off. The home owner confronted the burglar, then shot him.

The burglar's name and condition have not been released.

From KFVS of July 30, 2009

Teen shot to death during home invasion

A man was shot and killed in McCracken County after police say he tried to break into a family's home around 2:00 a.m.

The family woke to the sound of the alarm system, indicating the door to the attached garage had been opened. The homeowner went outside to investigate, when he heard his wife inside screaming.

He ran back into the home where his wife told him the intruder, later identified as 18-year-old Andrew Caleb Barnett, was inside their attached garage attempting to get into the home through a wooden door with a window, according to police. The homeowner reportedly yelled several times that he had a gun, telling Barnett not to come inside. However, Barnett continued to make advances toward the man. Police say the homeowner fired one shot at Barnett, hitting him in the arm, and going into his chest area. Barnett apparently fell to the floor but got back up fighting the homeowner, at one point, biting him in the arm.

The fight continued through the home and eventually back into the garage. When police arrived they arrested Barnett and transported him to Western Baptist Hospital for the gunshot, but he ultimately died.

The McCracken County Police Department reports the 18-year-old was under the influence of Psilocybin Mushrooms, or "Magic Mushrooms" as they're called on the street, and thought he was inside his own home. At one point, he even called the homeowner "Dad".

Police located four people who apparently provided the drugs to Barnett and arrested them. They were identified as 19-year-old Taylor Thompson of West Paducah, 19-year-old Zachary Rodgers of Kevil, 18-year-old Ryan Bridges of West Paducah and 18-year-old Kristen Mohler of Kevil.

Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues. Charges against the homeowner are not expected.

Kentucky: Intruder Fatally Shot By Homeowner In Garrard County

Garrad County, Kentucky

From WLEX of July 21, 2009

Intruder Fatally Shot By Homeowner In Garrard County

Police are investigating after they say a man was shot to death early Tuesday morning while trying to break into a home in Garrard County.

The incident happened at about 12:45 a.m. at a home on Old Richmond Road. Kentucky State Police said Dallas Richard Helton, 40, had broken into the back of the home, and was shot once in the chest by the homeowner, Herlin McQuerry, 67. Helton stumbled out to the driveway where police said he died.

Police said McQuerry also fired a shot at the alleged getaway car being driven by Tonya Fowler, 35, of Berea. She was later arrested and charged with complicity to commit burglary second degree.

Helton's 17-year-old son was also in the vehicle. Police questioned him, but have not charged him.

Helton's family claims they were looking at rental property. However, Kentucky State Police said Helton was wearing a black ski mask and armed with a crowbar. Police added McQuerry's house was not listed for rent.

No charges will be filed against McQuerry in the case.

Kentucky: Homeowner subdues intruder until police arrive

Louisville, Kentucky

From WAVE of July 16, 2009

Homeowner subdues intruder until police arrive

Police in Oldham County are investigating another apparent home invasion attempt. This time the homeowner subdued the alleged intruder until police could arrive.

According to a press release from the Oldham County Police Department, officers were sent to the 1000 block of Goshen Lane about 1:30 a.m. Friday on a report of a home invasion burglary.

When police arrived on scene, they found the home owner, Wes Johnson, and a houseguest, Richard Rackleffe, restraining 34-year-old Sherman Ellis from Louisville.

Johnson told us it was about 1 a.m. Friday when Wes Johnson, his wife and their two out-of-town guests went to bed. About a half-hour later, Johnson says they heard something strange: the garage door opening and closing.

"We got out there and the garage was closed and we couldn't really figure out what was going on," Johnson said.

They didn't know it then, but Ellis had cut open the top of the Johnson's convertible and used the garage door opener to get inside their home. "When I walked back inside, I asked my wife to go up and call 911 and notify them that something was wrong," Johnson said.

That's when he noticed something in the basement. "I saw a closet door in our basement close. When I approached the door and kicked it open the guy came out and started to assault me," Johnson said.

Johnson says he and Ellis continued to struggle. "When somebody's coming at you in the darkness in the night and somebody comes at you with something in their hand to hit you, it helps you realize real quick that something's not right."

Johnson says he yelled for his wife to bring him a pistol he had in the house. In the meantime, Johnson's guests - both former FBI agents - came running downstairs.

"The guy was fighting all he could," said Johnson's guest, Richard Rackleffe. I used to work with defense tactics and all I did was take the arm and put it in a twist, where he quit fighting and he just succumbed or submitted at that point."

They held Ellis at gunpoint until police arrived and even then Johnson said Ellis fought officers, slightly injuring one before being handcuffed.

Even though Johnson managed to get the upper hand, the experience has left him shaken. "It definitely takes all the peace and comfort you have of going home and closing the door and knowing that you are in a safe place."

Police say Ellis lives in Portland, and told Johnson he was in Oldham County for a party. When he got left behind he said he planned to steal a car to get home.

But Johnson says that doesn't explain why Ellis decided to enter his home.

Ellis has a long criminal past, including multiple rape charges. And he's listed on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry for raping a 15-year-old girl.

Ellis is charged with burglary, robbery, assault, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer and possession of burglary tools. He is being held in the Oldham County Jail on a $10,000 full security bond.

Kentucky: Lexington doctor killed in shooting

Clark County, Kentucky

From WKYT of July 26, 2009

Lexington doctor killed in shooting

Police are investigating a deadly shooting over the weekend, involving a well known doctor in Lexington.

27NEWSFIRST has learned Rodney Mann was shot and killed Sunday outside a home on Four Mile Road in Clark County. We're learning more information into what may have brought Dr. Mann to that home in Clark County.

The doctor, himself, recently contacted 27NEWSFIRST about an issue that sources now say may have led to the shooting.

About a month ago, Dr. Mann contacted NEWSFIRST about an incident he had in the parking lot of Sam's Club in which he says a man keyed his car after an altercation. The damage was said to have cost Dr. Mann $1,100 worth of damage to his Acura.

Police say Dr. Mann then went to the man's home in Clark County and began to slash the tires to his car. The homeowner caught Mann slashing the tires on his truck and came out to confront him.

Police say Mann had two guns and a knife on him and say during the fight the owner was able to get one gun away from him and shoot him.

At Mann's doctor office, Thoroughbred Allergy and Asthma off Richmond Road, a note says all appointments on Monday have been canceled.

The doctor has been featured in a number of stories here on 27NEWSFIRST and was just a guest on our afternoon show three weeks ago.

Police have not charged the man who pulled the trigger. They're investigating if the shooting was in self defense.

Mann grew up in Corbin and graduated from UK and the University of Louisville Medical School.

Dr. Mann served patients at both of his offices in Lexington and in Corbin.

Kentucky: Man shoots, kills intruder during home invasion, intruder turns out to be man's grandson

Louisville, Kentucky

From WHAS of July 1, 2009

Man shoots, kills intruder during home invasion, intruder turns out to be man's grandson

Police say a grandfather shot and killed his own grandson, after the 20-year-old broke into his grandparents' house.

But WHAS11 News has learned the grandfather didn't realize who he was shooting until it was too late.

Metro Police say the grandson came in through a back window wearing a ski mask around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. His grandfather woke up and saw the figure with a mask and opened fire.

The shots killed his grandson, James Michael Keen, 20, who has a record of repeated drug charges. We're also told had stolen from his grandfather in the past.

Investigators say keen also fired at his grandfather, but they're not sure who shot first. We're told the gun keen had on him at the time was his grandfather's gun, previously stolen from his grandfather's car.

It appears the motive of this morning's break-in was theft, but since it ended with Keen dead, WHAS11 asked police if his grandfather might face any charges.

"The facts we have don't lead to that as far as I’m concerned-- for an arrest to be made. It seems to me to be a justified homicide, as far as self-defense, but that determination will come from the Commonwealth Attorney's Office,” said Lieutenant Barry Wilkerson, LMPD.

However, Nicholas Joseph Spencer, 20, is under arrest. Police say he was waiting outside in the getaway car for Keen at the time of the shooting.

A source also tells WHAS11 that Keen's grandfather first figured out it was his grandson just before police arrived, when he pulled the ski mask off Keen.

Police say that the grandson also fired shots at the homeowner, his grandfather.

Kentucky: Scott County Homeowner Holds Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint

Georgetown, Kentucky

From WLEX of March 16, 2009

Scott County Homeowner Holds Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint

A burglary suspect doesn't get far after breaking into one Georgetown home.

Just before 2 a.m. Monday, Georgetown Police said Joshua Slone stood at the back door of a house on Citation Court knocking on it.

When he didn't get a response. police said Slone kicked in a window and made his way into the living room.

Around the same time, the homeowner met Slone with his shotgun and held him inside until police arrived.

No one was hurt.

Joshua Slone is being held in the Scott County Detention Center facing burglary charges.

Kentucky: Hillview man charged in break-in at bait shop

Hillview, Kentucky

From the Louisville Courier-Journal of January 22, 2009

Hillview man charged in break-in at bait shop

A Hillview man been charged with burglary after allegedly breaking into a Louisville bait-and-tackle business and being shot at by the owner Saturday.

Eric Lee Wade, 24, is accused of breaking a window and entering Pepper Tackle Shop on Dixie Highway in Valley Station about 11:30 p.m., said Lt. Jim Mueller with the Louisville Metro Police robbery unit.

A 16-year-old Jefferson County juvenile was involved, according to Mueller, but it was uncertain last night if he has been charged in the Pepper break-in.

Norman Pepper, the owner of the store and an unsuccessful candidate for the Metro Council District 14 seat, said in an interview yesterday that when two people entered his business after hours, he fired a shot at one of the men and a second shot to scare them off.

The two crawled back out the window and got into a car, said Pepper, who is 67. He managed to fire three shots into the car before the occupants fled.

The vehicle was later found abandoned on the Gene Snyder Freeway near Dixie Highway.

"They didn't have time to do anything. I was on them," Pepper said. "There was no time to be scared."

He then called the police. While his shop has been burglarized before, this is the first time he has shot at an intruder, he said.

Both Wade and the juvenile have been charged with robbery in three other cases -- hold-ups earlier Saturday at Circle K, 9111 Blue Lick Road; on Jan. 13 at First America Cash Advance, 6661 Dixie Highway; and on Jan. 10 at Cash Tyme, 11340 Preston Highway, Mueller said.

Two people would enter the businesses wearing masks, brandish a sawed-off shotgun or a pistol and demand money, Mueller said. No one was injured in any of the robberies.

Wade was arrested Monday, and the juvenile was arrested Tuesday, he said.

The juvenile has been charged with three counts of first-degree robbery, Mueller said.

Wade has been charged with three counts of first-degree robbery, one count of second-degree burglary and one count of having a vehicle that is a nuisance, according to Metro Corrections. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Kentucky: Guard shoots man in store robbery

Irvine, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of December 22, 2008

Guard shoots man in store robbery

A security guard shot the alleged would-be robber of a grocery store Sunday night, Irvine police said.

Police would not identify the two men, but Officer Brian Brooks said the wounded man was taken to University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment.

Brooks responded to a call at 7:17 p.m. Sunday at Priceless Foods, 1012 Winchester Road in Irvine. Upon entering, he found a man, armed with a small-caliber revolver, slumped over the cash register. The man, in his 20s, then fell to the floor.

The guard had shot the man with a .357 Magnum, Brooks said.

Kentucky: Lexington man shoots, kills intruder

Lexington, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of December 18, 2008

Lexington man shoots, kills intruder

A Lexington man told police he shot an intruder, who later died, after the man entered his apartment near Shillito Park Wednesday night and tried to rob him, Lexington police said.

About 10:45 p.m., police found the resident suffering from gunshot wounds that weren't considered life threatening when they arrived at an apartment complex at 3500 Beaver Place, near Nicholasville Road and Man o' War Boulevard.

The resident, whose name has not been released, said he was shot during a fight after two men entered his apartment and tried to rob him. The resident was armed with a handgun and shot one of the intruders, Lexington police said.

Officer Ann Gutierrez, a Lexington police spokeswoman, said the resident opened the door after the two men knocked. No information was available Thursday morning about whether the resident recognized the intruders.

The alleged intruder and the resident were taken to University of Kentucky Hospital. The alleged intruder later died. The Fayette County coroner has not yet released his name.

No charges have been filed.

On Thursday, Lexington police were still searching for the other alleged intruder who witnesses saw running toward Shillito Park Wednesday night. The man was described as about 6 feet 3 inches tall and wearing a dark gray, hooded jacket.

Lexington police said anyone with information about the incident should call the Personal Crimes Section at (859) 258-3700 or Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020.

Kentucky: Deer Hunter In Harlan County Shoots Bear

Harlan County, Kentucky

From WKYT of October 23, 2008

Deer Hunter In Harlan County Shoots Bear

A deer hunter in Harlan County fatally shot a black bear with his muzzleloader after the animal came too close to his hunting blind last Saturday morning.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer Shane Amburgey determined the hunter, 30-year-old Bobby Koger of Cumberland, acted in self-defense due to the proximity of the bear. “He said the bear came right to his blind and almost stuck his head inside when he shot it,” Amburgey said. “We found blood from the bear within a foot of the blind.”

A blind is a type of camouflaged tent used by hunters to conceal themselves from game.
No charges were filed in the case. Another hunter at the scene, 31-year-old James Forester of Cumberland, shot the bear a second time, in an attempt to protect his friend. Investigators found the dead 250-pound male black bear approximately 700-800 yards away. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. Oct. 18 on Black Mountain, located near Gap Branch in northeastern Harlan County.

Wildlife Biologist Steven Dobey, black bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, said bears rarely approach people in such a direct manner unless they smell food. Amburgey said Koger did not have food inside the blind with him.

“It is likely this bear was investigating the blind out of pure curiosity,” Dobey said.
Koger told investigators that he initially saw two bears in the clearing that he was hunting. Koger said one of the bears started trotting toward him when he started yelling at Forester, who was asleep at a gas well approximately 50 yards away, according to Koger’s statement.

Koger said he started yelling at the bear, but it did not stop coming. Koger told investigators he shot the bear from 3 feet away. Forester told Amburgey that the bear came back to its feet after the shot and tried to get inside the blind. Forester said he shot the bear and it ran away. The second bear did not approach the hunters.

“The fact that yelling did not deter the bear from approaching the blind suggests it likely did not recognize the concealed hunter as a person,” Dobey said. “Given the location of the incident, however, it is also possible this bear had lost its fear of people.”

(More)

Kentucky: Woman Shoots, Kills Ex-Boyfriend, Claims Self-Defense

Cecilia, Kentucky

From WLKY of September 30, 2008

Woman Shoots, Kills Ex-Boyfriend, Claims Self-Defense

A Hardin County woman shot and killed her ex-boyfriend Monday, but no charges have been filed because the shooter is claiming self-defense.

Kentucky State Police say there's still the possibility an arrest will come.

"She called and reported that this shooting had occurred and she was protecting herself, and we went down there," said Kentucky State Trooper Steve Pavey.

Pavey said it happened at a home where Angie Ricketts, the alleged shooter, lives with her husband and children.

Pavey said Ricketts called police right after she pulled the trigger, killing her ex-boyfriend, 37-year-old Eric West.

"He showed up unwanted yesterday and that he allegedly assaulted her and that's what led to all this," Pavey said.

West, of Magnolia, Ky., was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives said Ricketts claims this isn't the first time her ex has caused problems.

"She is telling investigators that he is the father of a couple of her children and that he has made threats towards her and her family in the past," Pavey said.

Police said they are still trying to determine exactly what unfolded inside the home, and Ricketts' fate will likely be decided by a grand jury.

"We just want to do a thorough investigation from both sides and just present just the facts," Pavey said.

Pavey said Ricketts will remain out of jail for now, because she insists she exercised a right all Kentuckians have.

"You have the right as a property owner to protect yourself, and under the new law that was passed by the legislature about two years ago, it gives even a little more, with protecting yourself and family and property with deadly force," he said.

Pavey said it could take several months before the case is handed over to the commonwealth's attorney's office and then presented to a grand jury.

Kentucky: Resident shoots and kills intruder; arrest made

Lexington, Kentucky

From the Lexington Herald-Leader of September 10, 2008

Resident shoots and kills intruder; arrest made

Lexington police have made an arrest in a burglary that turned fatal Wednesday morning at an apartment complex near Hamburg Pavilion.

Reginald Laron Jones, 24, of Lexington has been charged with first-degree burglary.

Police say he was one of three people, including a man who was killed by a male resident in the apartment and a female, who charged into the apartment Wednesday morning.

Officers are conferring with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as they explore whether the shooting was self-defense, said Officer Ann Gutierrez, a Lexington police spokeswoman. The shooting was being treated as a homicide Wednesday morning as police canvassed an area at Gleneagles Apartments at 2920 Polo Club Boulevard and interviewed witnesses.

The victim and the shooter have not been identified.

Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said the man appears to be in his late 20s or early 30s. He had not yet checked for an ID.

Ginn said he did not know where the man was shot or how many times he was shot.

Neighbors said they heard people yelling followed by at least three gunshots. The shooting was reported to police about 8:30 a.m.

A neighbor, who heard gunshots, flagged down officers and directed them to the apartment, Gutierrez said.

Investigators were told the couple who lives in the apartment answered knocks at the door and were “rushed by several people,” Gutierrez said.

The intruders had handguns, she said. One of the occupants in the apartment got a handgun and shot one of the men. He was found dead inside the apartment when police arrived.

There were a lot of people at the scene when police arrived, Gutierrez said. And officers were interviewing them Wednesday afternoon, trying to determine whether they were involved.

Investigators also have not figured out why the intruders were at the apartment and whether they knew the residents.

Gutierrez said police are looking at whether a 2006 law, commonly called the castle doctrine, applies to this case.

Under the law, Kentucky residents can shoot an intruder without fear of being arrested. The National Rifle Association has lobbied for such laws across the country.

Kentucky: Girl, 15, hospitalized after pit bull attack

Louisville, Kentucky

From the Courier Journal of August 15, 2008

Girl, 15, hospitalized after pit bull attack

A 15-year-old girl was attacked by a friend's pit bull last weekend in Fairdale.

The girl, whose name was not released, was hospitalized with multiple bite wounds. Her current condition was not available, said Officer Phil Russell, a spokesman for Louisville Metro Police.

The incident happened Sunday as the girl visited a friend in the 10000 block of National Turnpike.

The dog began biting the girl inside the house then chased her outside.

A passer-by stopped to help the girl, Russell said. The man shot and killed the dog, he said.

Jackie Gulbe, a spokeswoman for Metro Animal Services, said the owner of the dog was cited for having a dangerous dog and not having the dog properly restrained.

Gulbe said she could not release the owner's name because Metro Animal Services continues to investigate.

Normally, someone cited for having a dangerous dog would be required to register the pet as such, which costs $500 each year in licensing fees.

Gulbe said that the city will pursue the owner in criminal court since the dog is dead.

Louisville's current dangerous-dog law was passed by the Metro Council in December. It defines a dangerous dog as any that severely attacks a person when unprovoked; maims or kills domestic pets or livestock; is used in the commission of a crime; owned or harbored for the primary purpose of fighting; or is declared dangerous by the director of animal services.