A Richmond police officer who was shot in the head while searching for a robbery suspect has died.
In a statement, Kentucky State Police Trooper Robert Purdy says 33-year-old Richmond Police Officer Daniel Ellis died early Friday at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Ellis had remained in the hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries following the shooting Wednesday morning.
Ellis and another officer went to a Richmond apartment, where police say the suspect, 34-year-old Raleigh Sizemore Jr., opened fire on Ellis. The second officer returned fire and struck Sizemore. He was treated at the hospital and released to police custody.
Sizemore was charged with attempted murder of a police officer and unlawful imprisonment first degree. His charge will likely be upgraded to murder.
Two others in the apartment during the shootout were also arrested.
KSP Spokesman trooper Robert Purdy told the Lexington Herald Leader that information on funeral arrangements will be released after services are planned over the next few days.
"It's just heartbreaking," Richmond Mayor Jim Barnes told The Associated Press. "It's an emotional time for everyone in the community. Those guys work so hard to protect the city."
He leaves behind a wife and 4-year-old son, police said. Ellis' police cruiser, parked in front of the police department, has become a memorial for people to pay their respects.
