BROOKSVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Bracken County that left Justin Gillespie, 34, dead on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
According to KSP Trooper David P. Jones, the incident occurred just before 6 p.m. while deputies from the Bracken County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) were conducting a welfare check at a residence on East Augusta-Chatham Road. During the welfare check, a deputy spoke with Gillespie on the front porch when he ran inside the home. As the deputy moved to the back door, Gillespie was exiting, leading to an altercation in which the deputy discharged his agency-issued weapon, striking Gillespie.
Bracken County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Gillespie was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bracken County Coroner’s Office.
The Bracken County Sheriff’s Office requested that the KSP Post 6 in Dry Ridge investigate the shooting. Trooper Jones emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that details will not be released until vital witnesses are interviewed and all pertinent facts are gathered to preserve the integrity of the case.
“Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case,” Jones said, noting that KSP has statewide jurisdiction and handles officer-involved shootings throughout Kentucky.
Bracken County Sheriff Robert Boody confirmed the deputy’s involvement and said he requested the KSP Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to investigate the incident. “The incident is currently under investigation by the Kentucky State Police,” Boody stated.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to gather information.
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