LMPD :: Louisville Metro Police Department
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Two troopers hurt, suspect shot to death

A 26-year-old eastern Kentucky man is dead of gunshot wounds and two state troopers from the Pikeville post have suffered minor injuries at the conclusion of a chase.

A state police officer and a vehicle enforcement officer opened fire on John Keen of Elkhorn City last night when a car sought after an armed robbery was halted by a tire deflation device. Keen was killed and two officers suffered minor injuries.

Lieutenant Phil Crumpton says state police were called to assist the Pike County Sheriff's Office during a chase on Kentucky 14-26. The chase ended when the fleeing car was halted on U-S 119 at U-S 23.

Crumpton says trooper Chris Phillips and Vehicle Enforcement office Keith Justice fired on Keen when he refused to comply with police orders and reached for a gun on the passenger side of the vehicle. He says the car was driven by 32-year-old Misty Damron of Elkhorn City, who surrendered when the car was halted.

Phillips was treated for minor lacerations of the forearm and Trooper Alfred Bunch for a minor eye injury. Damron was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center. Phillips was placed on administrative duty while the shooting is investigated.