Updated: Central Kentucky deputy shot, killed during traffic stop. Suspect in custody.
A Scott County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Monday during a traffic stop on the interstate near Georgetown, according to Scott County Sheriff Tony Hampton.
Deputy Caleb Conley was shot on I-75 near the 127 mile marker around 5 p.m. Monday while trying to stop a suspect from fleeing, Hampton told reporters Monday.
Conley has served with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for four years and served with the U.S. Army for eight years. He leaves behind a wife, small children and his parents, Hampton said.
Hampton said the shooting was something officers “never want to see.”
“We never want to see anything like this happen,” Hampton said. “The reality is we know it can, but when it does, it is hard.”
Hampton said Conley was active in his role, and that he took his job seriously.
“He was just a go-getter and loved his job and it is a shame it got cut short because he loved his job and he was so good at it,” Hampton said.
The sheriff’s office sent out a Facebook post about Conley following his death thanking the community for its support. The sheriff’s office said it would be closed Tuesday.
Hampton confirmed during a Monday night press conference the suspect was in custody. The suspect was later identified in jail records as Steven Sheangshang. He had been arrested Monday and faces several charges, including murder.
Hampton said this was the first time since he became sheriff that a deputy had been killed in the line of duty.
“He was out there today doing his job and look what happened to him,” Hampton said. “A coward coming through our county on I-75 took his life, took him away from his family.”
More information is expected to be released from Kentucky State Police, who are investigating the shooting. Later Monday, KSP said their critical incident response team is investigating the shooting.
The Critical Incident Reponse Team responded to the scene shortly after the shooting Monday, KSP said.
Gov. Andy Beshear released a statement Monday via social media regarding the shooting.
“Kentucky, please join Britainy and me in praying for the family and fellow law enforcement officers of Scott County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley, who was killed this evening while protecting our people,” Beshear said. “This hero made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will be forever grateful.”
Attorney General Daniel Cameron, the Republican nominee for governor, also offered condolences to Conley in a statement Monday.
“I am deeply saddened to learn that Scott County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley was shot and killed this evening,” Cameron said in a tweet. “Makenze and I mourn the loss of this hero. Today’s tragedy is yet another example of the grave dangers faced by our law officers. ... We pray for each of them tonight, for Caleb’s family, and for all of Scott County.”
Police escort honors deputy who was killed
Law enforcement from several different agencies escorted Conley’s body to a Cynthiana funeral home Tuesday.
The escort went along I-64, into Georgetown and then to Ware Funeral Home in Cynthiana. Police vehicles — and many local residents — lined the streets during the procession. Along the route, fire trucks arched an American flag over the road.
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