FRANKFORT, KY– The Kentucky state Police is reporting that on Saturday, December 11 at approximately 2:37 P.M. EST, KSP Post 12 was requested by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Franklin County.
KSP has conducted all necessary interviews of vital witness and officers involved.
At this time, KSP is able to release findings from the preliminary investigation, which reveals Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stevie Rice was responding to a domestic disturbance on Hunter’s Trace on December 11.
Upon arrival, Deputy Rice was met by Robert Lee Engle, 64 years of age from Frankfort, armed with a firearm. During the interaction Mr. Engle fired multiple rounds. Deputy Rice made several attempts to verbally instruct Mr. Engle to drop the firearm. Mr. Engle refused and proceeded to point the firearm at Deputy Rice and the other officers who had responded to the scene.
In order to protect the residents and law enforcement from the threat, Deputy Rice discharged his agency issued firearm striking Mr. Engle.
Mr. Engle was transported from the scene by Franklin County EMS to Frankfort Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased by the Franklin County Coroner. An autopsy was scheduled by the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Frankfort.
In accordance with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, Deputy Rice has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. Deputy Rice is a 6 month veteran of the department assigned to patrol.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, it is KSP standard operating procedure to not release any further details until the investigation has been completed.
Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
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