GARNER, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2024) — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) continues to investigate the trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Sept. 9, 2024.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Troopers from Post 13, Hazard, as well as deputies from the Knott County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), were dispatched at approximately 7:30 a.m. EDT to a call for service on Seals Hollow Road in the Litcarr community.
Further information received by dispatch indicated the subject was possibly armed with a knife and had unlawfully entered a residence on Seals Hollow Road.
When officers arrived, they began communicating with the individual, later identified as Travis Pratt, a 35-year-old male, who was barricaded inside a room within the residence.
During the interaction, Mr. Pratt verbally indicated to officers he had a firearm.
Suspecting the subject was attempting to flee from officers through a window, the room door was opened, and officers gave verbal commands to Mr. Pratt to surrender, which were ignored.
Trooper Donnie Kelley and KCSO Deputy Levi Bolen both deployed their agency-issued tasers, which were ineffective in subduing Mr. Pratt.
The subject continued refusing verbal commands, and the officers perceived a deadly threat.
Both Trooper Kelley and Deputy Bolen fired their agency-issued firearms, and Mr. Pratt was struck resulting in life-threatening injury.
Mr. Pratt succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Knott County Coroner.
In accordance with KSP standard operating procedures, Trooper Kelley was placed on paid administrative leave. Trooper Kelley is a 29-year veteran of the agency.
In accordance with KCSO standard operating procedures, Deputy Bolen was placed on paid administrative leave. Deputy Bolen is a 1-year veteran with the KCSO.
These preliminary findings are subject to change as CIRT investigators continue this ongoing investigation.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.