UPDATE: Kentucky State Police Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting in Franklin County
***UPDATE***
FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 27, 2025) – On Jan. 18, 2025, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 12 in Frankfort was requested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 2327 Devils Hollow Road in Frankfort. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The preliminary investigation indicates that deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call at the residence, where they encountered 34-year-old Justin W. Jennings of Frankfort inside the home. Mr. Jennings was in his mother’s residence armed with a knife, yelling, and self-injuring himself. Deputies gave verbal commands for Mr. Jennings to drop the knife, and he did not comply. To protect those inside the residence, FCSO Deputy Stevie Rice discharged his agency-issued firearm, striking Mr. Jennings and resulting in life-threatening injuries to the suspect. He was transported to Frankfort Regional Medical Center for treatment and remains there. Mr. Jennings was cited by FCSO and is facing charges of Assault 3rd Degree – Police Officer or Probation Officer and Menacing.
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.
Original News Release below:
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 18, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested by the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office (FCSO) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 18, 2025, around 7:30 a.m. EST. CIRT detectives arrived on the scene and began an investigation into the incident.
The preliminary investigation indicates that two FCSO officers responded to a call for service involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. During the encounter, the individual became combative and brandished a knife. One of the FCSO officers fired their agency-issued firearm, striking the individual. The man sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident and was transported to the Frankfort Regional Medical Center. No officers were injured during the incident.
This information is based on the preliminary investigation into this incident and could be subject to change through the course of the ongoing investigation as investigators interview vital witnesses and gather pertinent facts.
KSP was assisted at the scene by the FCSO, Frankfort Police Department, and Franklin County EMS.
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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