BROOKSVILLE — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Bracken County on Tuesday, Sept. 9. According to KSP Trooper David P. Jones, the shooting occurred just before 6 p.m.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that BCSO was at a residence on East Augusta-Chatham Road for a welfare check on Justin Gillespie, a 34-year-old male. A deputy was talking to Mr. Gillespie on the front porch of the residence when Mr. Gillespie ran inside the house,” Jones stated. “The deputy then proceeded to the back door, at which time Mr. Gillespie was exiting, and an altercation resulted in the deputy discharging his agency-issued weapon, striking Mr. Gillespie.”
The Bracken County Coroner’s Office pronounced Gillespie deceased at the scene. The Bracken County EMS attempted life-saving measures on him.
Jones noted that the Bracken County Sheriff’s Office requested that the KSP Post 6 Dry Ridge investigate the shooting.
“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,” Jones stated.
He concluded that specific details would not be released until “vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered” to protect the investigation.
“Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case,” Jones said.
When asked for comment, Bracken County Sheriff Robert Boody expressed that a deputy with the BCSO was involved in a shooting.
“Upon being notified, I requested the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to respond. The incident is currently under investigation by the Kentucky State Police,” Boody stated.
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