2 Officers Killed, Many More Hospitalized In Kentucky Shooting: Police

ALLEN, KY — Two officers and a K-9 were killed, and several more law enforcement officials were injured, after an attempt to serve a warrant turned deadly Thursday night in eastern Kentucky, according to reports.

Lance Storz used a rifle to open fire on police, the Courier-Journal reported, and then barricaded himself in his home for several hours, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

The shooting occurred shortly before 7 p.m. in the tiny community of Allen, near Prestonburg, the Courier-Journal reported. The incident resulted in the deaths of two officers, identified by Prestonburg police and the Courier-Journal as Capt. Ralph Frasure and Floyd County Deputy William Petry, as well as the K-9.

“We have lost a long-time friend and a 39-year veteran of Law Enforcement in Floyd County, Ralph Frasure, who has left so many loved ones,” Prestonburg Mayor Les Stapleton said in a Facebook post.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department requested prayers for all involved and said in a Facebook post that a procession for the fallen officers was planned for Friday afternoon on Route 114.

The shooting left another four officers injured, according to state police, who said one was in critical condition, two were in stable condition and one had been released from the hospital. A civilian was also injured and at a hospital, state police said.

“Last night we lost two brave first responders and a K-9 in Floyd County,” Gov. Andy Beshear said Friday in a tweet. “These heroes sacrificed everything to protect our people.”

Storz is charged with two counts of murder of a police officer, five counts of attempted murder of a police officer, and one count each of attempted murder and first-degree assault of a service animal, according to jail records. His bond was set at $10 million, the Courier-Journal reported. He has pleaded not guilty, according to WSAZ.

State police continue to investigate.