Kentucky State Police investigate after suspect, officer injured in shooting in Murray

MURRAY, Ky. (KBSI) – The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team continues an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that heppend on Friday, August 23 in Murray.

Preliminary interviews have been completed. Investigators have released their initial findings.

The preliminary investigation indicates that around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, the Murray Police Department responded to a home on Johnson Blvd. after receiving a report from a crisis hotline that a person was threatening self-harm.

Officers interacted with 39-year-old Matthew Johnson, who was inside the home. During their interaction, officers say Johnson pointed a rifle in the direction of them who retreated to cover.

Johnson then barricaded himself inside the home , prompting Murray PD Officers to request the Marshall County Special Response Team to assist.

A warrant was issued for Johnson for wanton endangerment 1st degree and terroristic threatening 3rd degree.

Murray PD and Marshall County SRT officers tried negotiating with Johnson. A mental crisis hotline was also used to de-escalate the situation.

Kentucky State Police troopers say negotiating efforts were unsuccessful, as Johnson refused to cooperate or work toward a peaceful resolution.

Marshall County SRT officers used a gas deployment into the home about 2:30 a.m. on August 23. That’s when they say Johnson fired a rifle at the officers, striking Deputy Jacob Hamm in the leg and arm, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries.

Marshall County SRT officers, Chief Deputy Tim Reynolds, Sergeant Aaron Lane, and Deputy Chris Beavers, then returned fire. Johnson was struck by officer gunfire and injured but remained inside the home. Troopesr say Johnson ignored officers’ requests to surrender for some time. Eventually, Johnson surrendered. He was flown to a hospital in Nashville for medical treatment.

Deputy Hamm was taken to Murray Calloway Hospital where he was treated and released.

Deputy Hamm, Chief Deputy Reynolds, Sergeant Lane and Deputy Beavers are employed with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

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.