MCKEE, Ky. (August 2, 2019) – The Kentucky State Police is investigating an officer- involved-shooting that occurred in Jackson County following a three county vehicle pursuit Thursday afternoon.
The initial investigation indicates that a KSP Post 7 Trooper attempted to stop a vehicle that was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed on Richmond Road (KY-52) in Estill County just after 2:00 pm.
The fleeing vehicle turned off of KY-52 and continued to drive recklessly, before coming to a stop on Knob Lick Road in Estill County, intentionally striking a law enforcement vehicle with his vehicle
A short time later, a vehicle matching the description from the initial pursuit was located on Red Lick Road in Madison County by a second KSP Post 7 Trooper, and a second pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued through Madison County, and into Jackson County on US-421.
Law enforcement lost sight of the maroon pick-up truck on Rice School Road after it drove into a wooded area. A perimeter was established in the area, and a search for the vehicle was initiated.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect then attempted to flee along Rice School Road again, striking multiple law enforcement units.
Due to the subject’s actions, units were forced to discharge their service weapons.
As a result of the shooting the suspect, David N. Willoughby, 54 years old of Jeffersonville, KY, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner.
David Willoughby was identified by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Thursday afternoon as a suspect in a murder that they are working. Information regarding the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigation should be directed to their department.
Further information will be given as the investigation continues.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 and the Critical Incident Response Team. KSP was assisted at the scene by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, McKee Police Department, Sand Gap Volunteer Fire Department and the Jackson County Coroner.
