KSP releases details on shooting that injured officer and suspect in Murray

Kentucky State Police have released additional information about a shooting that injured both the suspect and an officer in Calloway County in August. 

According to a news release, investigation began August 23 in Murray when the Murray Police Department responded to a residence on Johnson Boulevard around 10:30 p.m. after receiving a report that an individual was threatening to hurt himself. Upon arrival, contact was made with 39-year-old Matthew Johnson, who reportedly pointed a rifle at officers, who retreated to cover. 

Johnson then barricaded himself in the residence, which is when Murray PD called for back up.

Marshal County Sherriff’s deputies and Murray police negotiated for some time with Johnson, who reportedly refused to cooperate—a warrant for first-degree wanton endangerment and third-degree terroristic threatening was issued for his arrest.

Gas was deployed into the home about 2:30 a.m., which is when Johnson allegedly fired on officers, striking Marshall County Deputy Jacob Hamm in the leg and arm, sending him to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated and released.

Several other officers, identified as Chief Deputy Tim Reynolds, Sergeant Aaron Lane and Deputy Chirs Beavers returned fire on Johnson, striking and injuring him.  He would reportedly continue to ignore officers’ commands for some time, before finally surrendering. He was then flown to a Nashville hospital for treatment. 

The investigation remains ongoing.