Friday, December 29, 2006
UPDATE: Suspect Shot; Trooper Released From Hospital
A police chase turned fatal for an Elkhorn man last night when officers opened fire after the suspect allegedly attempted to reach for a weapon.
The suspect, later identified as 26 year old John Michael Keen was a possible suspect in multiple armed robberies taking place over the last few days. The pursuit began on Town Mountain Road sometime around 9:00 o’clock and ended after officers were able to deploy a tire deflation device, leading to the vehicle coming to a halt on North Bound US 23 just past the intersection of US 119. The driver of the vehicle, 32 year old Misty Damron of Elkhorn city surrendered to authorities however keen allegedly reached for a weapon stored in the vehicle at which time Trooper Chris Phillips and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officer Keith Justice fired their weapons. Keen was pronounced dead by the Pike County Coroners office. Damron was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Robbery 1st degree, fleeing and evading 1st degree, driving under the influence and possession of drugs. She was lodged at the Pike County Detention Center.
Trooper Alfred Bunch received minor injuries during the incident and was treated and released form Pikeville Medical Center. Pursuant to their respective agencies policies, Trooper Phillips and officer Justice will be placed on administrative duties while the Kentucky state Police continue their investigation.
The suspect, later identified as 26 year old John Michael Keen was a possible suspect in multiple armed robberies taking place over the last few days. The pursuit began on Town Mountain Road sometime around 9:00 o’clock and ended after officers were able to deploy a tire deflation device, leading to the vehicle coming to a halt on North Bound US 23 just past the intersection of US 119. The driver of the vehicle, 32 year old Misty Damron of Elkhorn city surrendered to authorities however keen allegedly reached for a weapon stored in the vehicle at which time Trooper Chris Phillips and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement officer Keith Justice fired their weapons. Keen was pronounced dead by the Pike County Coroners office. Damron was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Robbery 1st degree, fleeing and evading 1st degree, driving under the influence and possession of drugs. She was lodged at the Pike County Detention Center.
Trooper Alfred Bunch received minor injuries during the incident and was treated and released form Pikeville Medical Center. Pursuant to their respective agencies policies, Trooper Phillips and officer Justice will be placed on administrative duties while the Kentucky state Police continue their investigation.
# posted by Justin Mullins @ 3:17 PM 
