Kentucky State Police Fatally Shoot 69-Year-Old Man After He Allegedly Pointed Gun at Troopers During Warrant Search in Lawrence County
MARTHA, KY – A routine warrant search turned deadly Saturday night in Lawrence County when Kentucky State Police say a 69-year-old man confronted troopers with a firearm, leading officers to fatally shoot him after he allegedly raised the weapon in their direction.
KSP reports the incident occurred on November 29 along KY 1715 in the small community of Martha. Troopers were at a residence searching for a woman wanted on active assault-related arrest warrants when an unrelated neighbor approached them aggressively.
The man, identified as Timothy Keeton, confronted troopers despite not being connected to the original investigation.
Investigators: Neighbor Threatened to Shoot Out Troopers’ Lights Before Returning with a Gun
According to the Kentucky State Police preliminary investigation, Keeton emerged from his nearby home and threatened the officers, allegedly telling them to “turn their lights off or he would shoot them out.”
Troopers say Keeton briefly retreated into his house and then returned — this time armed with a firearm. Officers issued repeated commands ordering him to drop the weapon.
When Keeton allegedly raised the firearm toward the troopers, multiple officers fired their agency-issued guns, striking him.
Lifesaving Efforts Unsuccessful After Gunfire Exchange
Troopers immediately attempted medical aid on Keeton at the scene, but authorities say he ultimately died from his injuries. No troopers or bystanders were injured during the confrontation.
The shooting occurred only minutes after officers began searching for the wanted woman at a nearby residence. She was not involved in the confrontation with Keeton.
KSP Critical Incident Response Team Now Leading the Investigation
The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team is now handling the investigation, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in the state.
No further details have been released regarding the number of troopers involved or the number of shots fired. The agency says updates will be provided once more information becomes available.
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ChicagoMusicGuide.com will continue monitoring developments in this investigation and provide updates as KSP releases additional findings.