Police and other first responders gathered Friday along central Kentucky interstate overpasses to show support for a fallen Richmond police officer. The gesture was to recognize Officer Daniel Ellis who was shot in the head Wednesday morning while investigating a robbery.
Daniel Ellis, 33, died early Friday morning at the University of Kentucky Medical Center. As his body was transported from Lexington to Richmond, a number of public safety officers gathered at I-75 exits. At the White Hall exit, Madison County resident Matt Maggard sat in his truck and reflected on the officer’s death. “The attitude about police right now is pretty crappy,” said Maggard. “I mean we need to give them more support. I mean that’s their job. We need to back them up.”
Raleigh Sizemore, 34, is accused of shooting Ellis. Following the initial shooting inside a Ballard Drive apartment, an officer returned fire striking Sizemore. He was treated and released and faces charges related to Ellis’ death.
Also at the White Hall exit, Richmond resident Tina Kelly watched just outside a gas station. “I think it’s a shame,” she said. “We have a super great police force, outstanding, and it’s just a shame people would do that. Breaks my heart.”
Funeral arrangements for Ellis are pending.
