LaRue deputy shoots, kills driver

A man died after he was shot Friday by a LaRue County deputy following a vehicle pursuit.

LaRue County Dispatch received a call about a reckless driver at 9:24 p.m., according to Kentucky State Police.

Deputy James E. Williamson, 24, responded and located a Chevy Impala driven by Thomas E. Ferguson, 38, of Magnolia, which Williamson saw was driving recklessly, KSP spokesman Trooper Norman Chaffins said.

Williamson tried to stop the car by turning on his emergency equipment. Ferguson ignored Williamson’s signals to stop, and a pursuit began, Chaffins said.

The pursuit continued on Ky. 1192 near the 5-mile post when Ferguson’s vehicle spun and came to rest facing Williamson, according to a KSP report.

As Williamson approached the vehicle, Ferguson accelerated toward him, Chaffins said.

Williamson fired into the vehicle, striking Ferguson in the head. The vehicle then drove off the road into a ditch, Chaffins said.

LaRue County EMS transported Ferguson to Hardin Memorial Hospital. He later was  transported to University Hospital in Louisville and was pronounced dead early Saturday morning.

Williamson was not injured, Chaffins said.

An autopsy is being performed, and the LaRue County Sheriff’s Office requested KSP investigate the shooting, Chaffins said.

Williamson’s cruiser was equipped with a mobile video recorder. The tape was logged into evidence and won’t be released at this time, Chaffins said.

Alcohol was found in Ferguson’s vehicle and appears to be a factor in his reckless driving, Chaffins said.

An investigation is ongoing.

Amber Coulter canbe reached at (270) 505-1746 or acoulter@ thenewsenterprise.com.