***UPDATE***

Corbin, KY. (Jan. 24, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team continues investigating a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Jan. 11 at approximately 10:00 p.m. EST in Laurel County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that KSP Trooper Stephen Walker was attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation on the Cumberland Gap Parkway. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. The fleeing subject, identified as Jeffrey Paradise, 32 year-old male from Corbin, entered the parking lot of the Cumberland Gap Apartment complex. Mr. Paradise exited the vehicle while it was still moving in a forward motion; the vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. Mr. Paradise fled on foot behind an apartment building and was subsequently located hiding behind a building, where he was observed to be armed. Despite loud verbal commands from Trooper Walker, Mr. Paradise remained non-compliant and fired shots at the trooper. Trooper Walker discharged an agency issued firearm, hitting Mr. Paradise, and ending the incident.

Trooper Walker rendered medical aid to Mr. Paradise until EMS arrived. Mr. Paradise was transported by Laurel County EMS to Saint Joseph Health in London and was later flown to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, where he continues to be treated.

In accordance with KSP policies and procedures, Trooper Walker was placed on administrative leave; he is a 39 year veteran of the agency.

The KSP Critical Incident Response Team investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

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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