An officer-involved fatal shooting is under investigation in Lexington. The incident occurred overnight at a motel on Tates Creek Road. Police say officers were dispatched for a trespassing and delayed assault report. Upon entering the room, police say the subject fired at officers and officers returned fire. 40-year-old Joshua Hagans died of multiple gunshot wounds and an officer was shot. He has been released from the hospital. Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said Kentucky State Police is investigating along with an internal investigation.
“These things are difficult for everybody, but we have to stand firm by the process and investigate it and follow the policies and procedures so that everything comes out above board, and everything is done professionally and everything is done according to the law,” said Weathers.
Weathers said two police officers were placed on administrative leave in line with policy. The chief said body-worn cameras were activated. A KSP representative said no evidence would be released until after the investigation is completed.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton was asked about assuring citizens of safety with recent gun violence occurring. “It’s a complex problem and we’re not going to solve it right here today but we have hundreds of people in our community working on it every day,” said Gorton.
In Johnson County, a separate investigation is also underway involving the fatal shooting of three people in that eastern Kentucky community. The deaths of three individuals in Paintsville was confirmed by Deputy Johnson County Coroner Harry Frisbee. WYMT reports the suspect was injured in the situation and taken to an area hospital.
