WALTON, Ky. — Two deputies were shot while serving a warrant in Walton, Kentucky, the Boone County Sheriff's Office said Thursday night.
The sheriff's office said deputies were serving a felony warrant regarding overdue child support to a man in a home on Service Road just after 10 p.m. when they were met with "heavy gunfire."
Two deputies were hit multiple times. One was airlifted while the other was taken by ambulance to UC Medical Center. During a press conference after the shooting happened, Boone County Major Philip Ridgell said both deputies are in stable condition, with one in surgery.
Ridgell said both deputies are veterans of the Boone County Sheriff's Office.
Here's the latest information on the shooting:
"This is something that they, themselves and their families, this is a worst nightmare type of situation," Ridgell said during the press conference.
However, Ridgell noted in a later update that both deputies' prognoses are "pretty positive."
Ridgell said the man who fired shots remained barricaded inside his apartment as multiple SWAT and law enforcement agencies worked to get him out. The man did not respond to the team's attempts to establish communication with him and SWAT deployed gas canisters into the inside of the home.
Hear Ridgell's full press conference with media below:
When the man did not appear to react to the gas, deputies navigated a drone into the home and found the man lying unresponsive in a second-floor bedroom. After entering the home, SWAT team members determined the man was dead from "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound."
Video sent to us by a neighbor showed the moments deputies breached the door of the home and enter moments before what sounds like gunshots can be heard.
Watch that video below:
Ridgell said no other deputies or residents were injured and a criminal investigation is ongoing. Ridgell said nearby homes were evacuated during the SWAT operation.
Officials have not released the identity of the man who died.
Friday morning, Governor Andy Beshear said he and his family were praying for the officers shot.
"Please join us in praying for their recovery," Beshear wrote on social media. "Thank you to every member of law enforcement and every first responder who worked to protect the Walton community last night."
Britainy and I are praying for the two Boone Co. Sheriff’s deputies who were shot last night while on duty. Please join us in praying for their recovery. Thank you to every member of law enforcement and every first responder who worked to protect the Walton community last night.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 29, 2025
Kentucky Representatives Kim Banta, Steve Doan, Mark Hart, Savannah Maddox, Marianne Proctor, TJ Roberts and Senators Steve Rawlings and Gex Williams also issued a joint statement about the shooting.
"We offer our heartfelt concern and deepest gratitude to the Boone County Sheriff's deputies who were injured in the line of duty," the statement reads. "These brave officers answer the call to serve and protect every day, knowingly placing themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety of our communities. Their courage and selflessness reflect the very best of Kentucky law enforcement and we remain steadfast in our respect and admiration of the commitment they demonstrate each and every day."
The statement goes on to say the lawmakers are praying for the deputies, their families and the Boone County Sheriff's Office.
"We also recognize the extraordinary efforts of first responders and medical personnel who provided immediate care and continue to support their recovery," the statement continues. "Today and always, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Boone County community and with every officer across Kentucky who dedicates their life to protecting others."
Attorney General Russell Coleman also said Friday morning that his office has been in contact with Northern Kentucky law enforcement since late Thursday night.
Our Office has been in contact with NKY law enforcement since late last night, and we’re ready to provide any support they need.
As we pray for the two @BooneSheriffKY Deputies who were injured, we remember the heavy weight of the badge carried by those who keep us safe.— Attorney General Russell Coleman (@kyoag) August 29, 2025
