LaRue County deputy who shot suspect placed on leave

Kentucky State Police continues its investigation into a LaRue County deputy’s shooting of a suspect Friday night on Ky. 1192.

The suspect, Thomas E. Ferguson, 38, of Magnolia, was fatally shot in the head and died at University Hospital in Louisville, according to police.

A funeral is at 2 p.m. today at Dixon-Rogers Funeral Home in Magnolia.

Deputy James E. Williamson, 24, has been placed on administrative leave per LaRue County Sheriff’s Office protocol, Sheriff Bobby Shoffner said.

According to a KSP Post 4 statement, Williamson saw a vehicle matching a description released over the radio regarding a reckless driving complaint. The deputy saw the vehicle being driven recklessly, turned on his lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver ignored the emergency signals, according to the release.

During a pursuit, Ferguson’s vehicle “spun out” near the 5-mile marker on Ky. 1192 and came to a rest facing the deputy, police said.

Because the vehicle stopped, Williamson got out of his cruiser to approach Ferguson, said Norman Chaffins, spokesman for KSP Post 4 in Elizabethtown.

As Williamson walked toward the car, Chaffins said Ferguson accelerated, leading the deputy to fire shots, one of which struck the driver.

Asked where Williamson stood in relation to Ferguson’s vehicle, Chaffins said he did not know as the investigation is ongoing.

Video footage was obtained from the deputy’s cruiser, which police have said will not be released at this time.

“We can’t release something that’s part of the investigation,” Chaffins said.

KSP will present its investigation to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Chaffins said, which will decide whether to seek an indictment in the case.

Asked how long Williamson will be on leave, Shoffner said deputies typically take two weeks.

In addition to being placed on leave, the sheriff said Williamson also has been offered counseling.

Sarah Bennett can be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.