Kentucky Man Dies After Crashing Into House Following High-Speed Chase and Shootout With Police
PADUCAH, KENTUCKY — A 26-year-old man was killed Friday evening after allegedly shooting at police during a high-speed chase that ended when his truck crashed into a home in McCracken County, according to the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
Investigators identified the driver as Robert Wray of the Kevil community, who was being pursued by a Marshall County Sheriff’s deputy after he was seen driving recklessly with a flat tire while towing a camper along Hardmoney Road.
Chase Turns Violent as Suspect Opens Fire
Authorities said the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Wray fled, disconnecting the camper and speeding away. The pursuit extended into the Lone Oak area, where Paducah Police officers joined the chase to assist.
At that point, Wray allegedly opened fire on the pursuing officers, striking a deputy’s vehicle multiple times. Officers did not return fire, according to law enforcement.
Police Use PIT Maneuver Before Fatal Crash
In an effort to end the chase safely, officers conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing Wray’s 1995 Chevrolet pickup to veer off Lone Oak Road and crash directly into a nearby house.
Emergency crews transported Wray to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No officers or bystanders were injured, and no law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the incident.
Investigation Underway
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is leading the investigation into both the officer-involved pursuit and the shooting.
Marshall County Sheriff Ryan Norman commended his deputies for their actions during the dangerous encounter, saying, “I am proud of the deputies’ calm and professional demeanor throughout this incident. They did a great job and performed exactly how I would want them to during this incident.”
Officials confirmed that the home struck by Wray’s vehicle sustained damage, but no residents were harmed. The investigation remains ongoing as police reconstruct the timeline and examine the weapons involved.
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