Lawsuit filed against Kentucky State Police after fatal Breckinridge County police chase

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The family of a man killed as a result of a high-speed police chase in Breckinridge County is suing Kentucky State Police.

On March 10, 2024, a KSP trooper was checking speeds on Joe Prather Highway near the Flaherty community. According to KSP, the trooper saw a Ford Fusion speeding and tried to pull over the driver, Rodney Richards. But Richards, 51, didn't stop and a pursuit began.

The chase went to the intersection of KY-333 and McDonald Lane in Breckinridge County. That's where Richards crossed the center line and hit a Jeep, driven by Jordan Lynch.

Lynch's family is now suing Kentucky State Police trooper Travis Davis. They claim the high speed chase lasted for around eight-and-a-half minutes and reached speeds up to 110 mph on two-lane highways.

Lynch was traveling with his teenage daughter, when the crash happened. Lynch was airlifted to a Louisville hospital, but died on June 1, 2024.

"This pursuit should never have happened," Kevin P. Weis of Thomas Law Offices, PLLC, legal counsel for the Lynch family, said in a news release. "The trooper disregarded Kentucky State Police policy and basic safety considerations resulting in this tragedy.”

The complaint was filed in Breckinridge Circuit Court. It references KRS 61.298, a law that tries to prevent innocent bystanders from being injured or killed during police chases. The lawsuit argues there were no life-threatening emergencies or circumstances that required a reckless pursuit.

Richards also died at the scene.

In a statement, KSP said outside legal counsel will be retained in accordance with standard procedure, but declined additional comment, citing the ongoing litigation.

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