A Kentucky State Trooper was shot last night after making a traffic stop:
Kentucky State Police say 31-year-old trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder was conducting a traffic stop Sunday night around 10:20 p.m. on Interstate 24 when the driver fled.
The news release says a chase ensued with the suspect stopping abruptly, causing the trooper’s vehicle to “make contact” with the rear of the suspect’s vehicle.
Authorities say the driver then fired several shots into Ponder’s police cruiser, hitting him several times.
Trooper Ponder was taken to an area hospital, where he died.
The suspect is now reportedly in custody:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Ponder’s family and fellow officers.
Update:
The AP is reporting that while police were attempting to apprehend the suspect, he refused to drop his weapon and was shot and killed:
