LONDON, KY - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched by London – Laurel County 911 Communication Ctr. to a gunshot victim complaint off U.S. 25 (North Laurel Rd.), at an outside shed behind a residence, approximately 2 miles north of London at 8:00 AM Friday, February 28, 2025.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found a male subject identified as Jacob Hurley age 27 of East Bernstadt with a gunshot wound to the hand. The victim advised that he had allegedly been cleaning a pistol when it accidentally discharged striking him in the hand.
Also present during the incident was Hurley's girlfriend and another male subject identified as William Joseph Malicoat, age 43, of London, KY.
Malicoat fled the scene with the pistol and was located by Sheriff's Deputy Bobby Roberts approximately one quarter of a mile away at a business off U.S. 25.
It was determined that William Malicoat was a convicted felon and wanted on an outstanding warrant. Malicoat was taken into custody without incident.
The shooting victim was treated at the scene by EMS and Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County and then airlifted to UK Medical Center for treatment of his gunshot wound.
William Malicoat was charged with:
- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon
In addition, this subject was charged on a Laurel District Court complaint warrant of arrest obtained by Laurel Sheriff's Deputy Bobby Roberts regarding an incident that occurred on February 5, 2025 where allegedly this individual drove off from a business without paying for gas off Highway 30 in northern Laurel County.
Deputy Roberts was in the vicinity and observed the suspect vehicle -a white colored van and activated his emergency equipment attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and fled.
Deputy Roberts ran the license plate on the vehicle and learned that the vehicle was stolen out of Laurel County. During the pursuit the suspect drove very recklessly committing numerous traffic violations. Deputy Roberts at one point lost sight of the vehicle and it was not located.
Through investigation Deputy Roberts determined that the driver of the vehicle was William Malicoat. Deputy Roberts obtained an arrest warrant for him.
Malicoat was charged on the warrant with:
- Receiving stolen property $10,000 or more
- Fleeing or evading police – first-degree – motor vehicle
- Reckless driving
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photo of accused attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Laurel Sheriff's Detective Tommy Houston is the case officer on the investigation of the alleged accidental shooting. Assisting at the scene were: Laurel Sheriff's Capt. Chris Edwards, Detective Taylor McDaniel, Deputy Bobby Roberts, and Deputy Gilbert Acciardo.
Laurel EMS and William Malicoat, and Air Evac helicopter also assisted.
Photos of the incident scene provided by public affairs Deputy Gilbert Acciardo.
