Kentucky State Police Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting in Nelson County

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested by Post 4 in Elizabethtown to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, around 1:17 p.m. EST in Nelson County.

 The preliminary investigation indicates that an employee from the Nelson County Humane Society contacted 911 after an individual became disorderly inside the premises and threatened them with a firearm.  Afterward, Mr. Norman Perkins, 80-years-old of New Haven, Ky. left the premises traveling north on US 31E toward Bardstown.  A short time later, deputies with the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle traveling east on Bloomfield Road.  A traffic stop was initiated, and Mr. Perkins refused to yield.  Mr. Perkins then pulled over in the parking lot of the Speedy Mart located at 603 Bloomfield Road.  While deputies were attempting to make contact with Mr. Perkins, he raised and pointed a firearm at them.  Both deputies discharged their firearms, striking Mr. Perkins.  First aid was attempted, but Mr. Perkins succumbed to his injuries.  No officers were injured during the incident. 

 The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.

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