A tense and tragic scene unfolded late Thursday night after two Boone County Sheriff’s deputies were shot while serving a felony warrant in Walton.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were attempting to serve a warrant for overdue child support to a man living at an apartment on Towne Creek Drive just after 10 p.m. when they were met with “heavy gunfire.”
Both deputies were struck multiple times. One was transported by air ambulance, while the other was taken by ground to UC Medical Center. Major Philip Ridgell of BCSO said both deputies are in stable condition, with one undergoing surgery. “This is a worst nightmare type of situation,” Ridgell said, though later noted their prognoses are “pretty positive.”
Following the exchange of gunfire, the suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment. SWAT teams and multiple agencies attempted negotiations and later deployed gas canisters. When there was no response, a drone was sent inside, where the suspect was discovered unresponsive in a second-floor bedroom. Officials determined he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
No other deputies or residents were harmed. The suspect’s identity has not been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
