In late August of 2020 the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team attempted to execute search and arrest warrants on a family compound in Johnson Hollow, a heavily wooded and very rural area of Kentucky. The suspect, who was being sought on potential murder and drug related charges, had hiding locations and weapons throughout the compound and had built a series of hardened firing positions from which to attack officers. In the 48 hours that followed, the team would have two Officer involved shootings with two different suspects all on the same compound.

This event would stretch the team and its resources to their limits, yet the team rose to the challenge yielding a successful outcome despite almost impossible conditions. This case provides numerous lessons learned and teaching points about rural operations and the dangers of unexpected challenges. My guests today are Sgt. Heath Ayers and Trooper Logan Smith from the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team.

Links

Two fatally shot in KSP involved shootings in Knox County | News | thetimestribune.com

https://www.clayconews.com/news/16719-suspect-fatally-injured-in-2nd-officer-involved-shooting-in-knox-county-ky-victim-in-1st-shooting-identified

Books Recommended

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown by Eric Blehm - ISBN-13: 978-0307730695

On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace by Dave Grossman & Loren W. Christensen - ISBN-13:‎ 978-0964920545

On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Dave Grossman - ISBN-13: 978-0316040938

Contact Info

Logan Smith – logan.smith@ky.gov