State Police said on Thursday the investigation into an officer-involved shooting that took place on January 9 in Marshall County is ongoing with charges filed against two Paducah residents.
According to Kentucky State Police detectives, Marshall County Deputy Nick Spears was on routine patrol around 4:30 that morning when he noticed suspicious activity at a residential construction site on Harold King Drive in Benton.
A pickup truck was next to a utility trailer, and Deputy Spears decided to investigate. As he approached, state police said 43-year-old John Ross, of Paducah, emerged from behind the truck and pointed a handgun at Deputy Spears, firing a shot. In response, Deputy Spears fired back, hitting Ross, who was taken to a local hospital and later transferred to an out-of-state hospital, where he received treatment and was released. Deputy Spears was not injured in the incident.
While Ross was receiving medical care, a warrant for his arrest was obtained. After being released from the hospital, he was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun, and Theft over $10,000.
Ross made his initial appearance in Marshall County District Court on Wednesday and waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
35-year-old Kevin Sorensen was found in the driver’s seat of the pickup truck during the incident. He was arrested at the scene and initially charged with First-Degree Burglary. However, the charge was later amended to Theft Over $10,000. Ross also waived his right to a preliminary hearing in court.
State Police said Deputy Nick Spears, who has 16 years of law enforcement experience and has served with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department for 5 years, has been placed on paid administrative leave under department policies.