MURRAY – The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) continues the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Friday, Aug. 23. Preliminary interviews have been completed, and investigators have released their initial findings.
The preliminary investigation indicates that at around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, the Murray Police Department (MPD) had responded to a residence on Johnson Boulevard after receiving a report from a crisis hotline that an individual was threatening self-harm. Upon their arrival, officers interacted with a male subject, identified as 39-year-old Matthew Johnson, who was inside the residence. During their interaction, Johnson pointed a rifle in the direction of the officers who retreated to cover. Johnson then barricaded himself inside the residence, prompting MPD Officers to request the Marshall County Special Response Team (SRT) to assist.
During the incident, a warrant was issued for Johnson for first-degree wanton endangerment and third-degree terroristic threatening. Negotiations were attempted by MPD and Marshall County SRT officers. Additionally, a mental crisis hotline was utilized to de-escalate the situation. Negotiating efforts were unsuccessful, as Johnson refused to cooperate or work toward a peaceful resolution.
Marshall County SRT officers utilized a gas deployment into the residence, at which time, approximately 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 23, 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 residence, ignoring officers’ requests to surrender for some time. Eventually, Johnson surrendered, at which time he was flown to a hospital in Nashville for medical treatment.
Hamm was transported to Murray-Calloway County Hospital, where he was treated and released.
Hamm, Reynolds, Lane and 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.
