***UPDATE***
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (Feb. 17, 2023) – On Feb. 3 at approximately 3:00 p.m. EST, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team was requested to investigate a trooper-involved shooting that occurred in Floyd County.
KSP’s Critical Incident Response Team has conducted all necessary interviews of vital witnesses and troopers involved. At this time, KSP is able to release findings from the preliminary investigation, which reveals that KSP Trooper Billy Ball conducted a traffic stop on US 23 in Prestonsburg upon locating a vehicle matching the description of one involved in an alleged domestic violence incident. During the traffic stop, Glenn Bays, the operator and sole occupant, attempted to retrieve a firearm from the vehicle’s interior. Trooper Ball used his agency-issued firearm to stop Bays’ actions, protect the passing vehicles and himself. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
In accordance with KSP policies and procedures, Trooper Ball has been placed on administrative leave. He is a 3-year veteran of the agency assigned to Pikeville Post 9.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local 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 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.
Original News Release below:
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (February 3, 2023) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has been requested to investigate a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on February 3rd, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m. EST in Floyd County.
The KSP Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The preliminary investigation indicates that a KSP Trooper was attempting to locate a vehicle as part of a domestic violence incident investigation. Upon locating a vehicle matching the description, the trooper conducted a traffic stop. During the traffic stop the trooper was placed in a life-threatening situation by the vehicle operator, and in response discharged an agency-issued firearm striking the male subject. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Floyd County Coroner.
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.
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