UPDATE: Kentucky State Police Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting in Laurel County
***UPDATE***
LONDON, Ky. (Feb. 20, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP), Post 11 London, is continuing the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the London Police Department (LPD) attempted to stop a vehicle for suspicion of impaired driving within the city limits of London. The vehicle failed to stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, deputies with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) also joined the pursuit to assist LPD.
During the pursuit, while traveling south on KY229, the driver brandished a handgun out of the driver’s window and discharged the firearm multiple times in the direction of the officers. The vehicle turned onto Brannon Mill Road where it left the roadway into a residential area and became stationary. The driver, identified as Dylan S. Southerland, a 31-year-old male from Keavy, KY, exited the vehicle still brandishing the firearm and discharged it in the direction of the officers. Units from both the LPD and the LCSO discharged their agency-issued weapons, striking Mr. Southerland. Officers were then able to place Mr. Southerland under arrest and administer first-aid until EMS arrived.
On Saturday February 17, Mr. Southerland was released from UK Hospital and was transported to the Laurel County Correctional Center. He is charged with four (4) counts of attempted murder of a police officer. Additional charges are anticipated.
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:
LONDON, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 has been requested by the London Police Department (LPD) and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 4 at approximately 4:30 p.m. EST on Brannon Mill Road near the Lily community of Laurel County. At the request of LPD and LCSO, KSP Post 11 Troopers and Detectives responded to the scene and have begun investigating the incident.
A male subject was transported from the scene to UK Hospital for treatment of injuries. No officers were injured during this incident.
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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