Suspect dead, Breckinridge County deputy shot after multi-county chase

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A suspect was killed, and a Breckinridge County sheriff's deputy was shot late Tuesday night after a chase through three Kentucky counties.

In a news release, Kentucky State Police says a Breckenridge County Sheriff's deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop near Ben Johnson Elementary School in McDaniels, Kentucky, at about 9:50 p.m. Tuesday. During the stop, KSP said the driver shot the deputy, ran from the scene and stole a pickup truck.

"We don't ever have things like this happen. It was really bizarre," said Crystal Howard, who owns Peter Cave Country Store and Cafe across the street from the scene. "It's pretty scary knowing something this big has happened so close to home."

Howard said the parking lot of her business was filled for several hours with law enforcement from multiple counties. She also said the suspect ran across her parking lot while leaving the scene, and law enforcement has requested to see security footage from her business.

KSP was called to help find the suspect. Just after midnight, troopers in Grayson County spotted the stolen vehicle in the community of Wax, Kentucky. A pursuit began and went into Hart County. KSP said the suspect fired a gun multiple times at law enforcement during the chase.

The pursuit ended north of Bonnieville, Kentucky, where the pickup went off the road. Police said the driver got out of the vehicle with a gun, and a trooper fired, killing the suspect. That suspect has been identified by KSP as James Horton, 42, of Clarkson, Kentucky.

The Breckinridge County deputy, who has not been identified, was airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital. The deputy's injuries appear to be non-life threatening, according to KSP Trooper Daniel Priddy.

"It's really sad," Howard said. "He's just trying to do his job and keep everyone safe and then for somebody to do something like this is pretty upsetting so close to home."

KSP has not said what prompted the initial traffic stop. The investigation is being handled by KSP's Critical Response Team.