Kentucky State Police investigating officer-involved shooting in Johnson County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PAINTSVILLE, Ky., (KBSI) — Kentucky State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday in Johnson County.

The agency’s Critical Incident Response Team was requested by Post 9 in Pikeville to investigate the incident, which happened around 2 a.m.

According to a preliminary investigation, a Paintsville police officer on foot patrol observed a parked motorcycle on Main Street that matched the description of one reported stolen earlier. A short time later, the officer encountered Shawn Gayheart, 37, of Salyersville.

Authorities said Gayheart fled on foot for a short distance before the officer caught up with him, leading to a physical altercation. A second officer arrived to assist, and both officers deployed tasers in an attempt to gain control but were unsuccessful.

Police said the officers then fired their service weapons, striking Gayheart. Officers provided medical aid until emergency responders arrived.

Gayheart was taken to Pikeville Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators said a knife and a firearm were recovered at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing.

Kentucky State Police said it investigates officer-involved shootings across the state at the request of local, state and federal agencies and will release additional information as it becomes available.