ALLEN, Ky. — Three law enforcement officers were killed and five wounded in eastern Kentucky when a man with a rifle opened fire on police attempting to serve a warrant, authorities said.
What You Need To Know
- A 49-year-old man is in custody after allegedly opening fire on police Thursday night
- Two officers were killed at the scene, and five officers were injured. An emergency management official was also injured and a police K9 dog was killed
- Lance Storz was arraigned in Pike County on Friday morning, where he pleaded not guilty and was jailed on a $10 million cash bond
- Storz used a rifle to fire multiple rounds at officers around his residence on Main Street in Allen, Kentucky
Police took 49-year-old Lance Storz into custody late Thursday night after an hourslong standoff at a home in Allen, a small town in the hills of Appalachia.
An emergency management official was also injured and a police dog was killed, according to the arrest citation.
Responding officers encountered “pure hell” when they arrived on the scene, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt told reporters Friday afternoon.
“They had no chance,” he said.
Hunt said four deputies initially responded, and then called for backup when shots were fired at them. The officers at the scene were under fire for hours, Hunt said. He said Storz surrendered after negotiations that included Storz’s family members.
Hunt said one of his deputies, William Petry, and Prestonsburg Police Capt. Ralph Frasure were killed in the shooting. Frasure worked for 39 years in law enforcement in Floyd County and joined the Prestonburg Police Department in 1983. Petry was a 31-year law enforcement veteran who served two years with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) and 15 years wih the Kentucky State Police. Prestonsburg officer, Jacob Chaffins, died after being hospitalized. He had only been with the PPD since 2019.
Drago, the K-9 German Shepherd killed, was a six-year veteran with the FCSO.
In a statement Saturday, Gov. Andy Beshear said, “This is another hard morning for Kentucky as we mourn the loss of three brave officers and a K-9 who gave their lives while protecting the people of Floyd County. Britainy and I ask the commonwealth to join us in praying for the family and loved ones of Captain Ralph Frasure, Deputy William Petry and Officer Jacob Chaffins. Let us stand together in honoring these heroes and their sacrifice, and pray for a full recovery for those injured. “
Four other officers were injuried; two of which remain in the hospital in stable condition and one officer was treated and released. The emergency management worker injured during the incident also remains hospitalized.
Storz was arraigned in Pike County on Friday morning, where he pleaded not guilty and was jailed on a $10 million cash bond. One of the charges was originally attempted murder of a police officer, but a judge said at the hearing that was upgraded to murder. He is also facing another attempted murder charge and assault on a service animal.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron said in a social media post Friday that he is “heartbroken to learn of the deaths of two law enforcement officers” during the shooting in Floyd County.
“Our law enforcement exhibited unimaginable heroism and sacrifice last night in the face of evil,” Cameron said.
Storz used a rifle to fire multiple rounds at officers around his residence on Main Street in Allen, Kentucky, the citation said.
Kentucky State Police were called to the scene at 6:30 p.m., joining local officers already on the scene.
Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt told local media that the suspect opened fire on deputies who were serving a court-issued warrant Thursday evening related to a domestic violence situation.
Hunt said several officers were taken to different hospitals.
Funeral arrangement are set for all three men.
Visitation for 60-year-old Deputy William Petry will be Sunday, July 3 at Nelson Frzier Funeral Home in Martin, Kentucky beginning at 6 p.m. and will continue through Monday, July 4. Funeral services for Petry will take place Tuesday, July 5 at 11 a.m. at Mountain Arts Center in Prestonburg. He will be buried at Gethsemane Gardens in Prestonburg.
Prestonburg Police captain Ralph Frasure's visitation will be Mondy, July 4 beginning at 6 p.m and will continue Tuesday, July 5. His funeral will be Wednesday, July 6 at 1 p.m. at Mountain Arts Center in Prestonburg. He will also be buried at Gethsemane Gardens. Frasure was also 60.
The youngest victim, 28-year-old officer Jacob Chaffins, will also have his visitation Tuesday, July 5 through July 6, but his will be at Tom's Creek Freewill Baptist Church in Ivel, Kentucky. LIke the other two officers, Chaffins funeral will take place at the Mountain Arts Center. His funeral will take place Thursday, July 7 at 1 p.m. with burial at Gethsemane Gardens.