(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) — A search is on for the unknown gunman or gunmen who ambushed and fatally shot a 26-year-old sheriff’s deputy near Louisville, Kentucky, authorities said.
Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy Brandon Shirley was shot at about 2:30 a.m. local time Thursday while working an off-duty security job at Rockford Lane Auto Sales in Shively, Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey said at a news conference. Shirley was in uniform at the time, the sheriff said.
Shirley was rushed to a hospital where he died, Aubrey said.
The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to
Sheriff John Aubrey and the Jefferson Co. Sheriff’s Office on the death of Deputy Brandon Shirley. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. #LMPD #Louisville #Kentucky #WeHaveTheWatch #JCSOKY #LawEnforcement #Sheriff pic.twitter.com/f8BRKd2TUO— LMPD (@LMPD) August 5, 2021
Police chief Erika Shields said Shirley was “targeted” and “ambushed.”
She called the shooting “sickening” and vowed to make an arrest.
Shirley, assigned to the court security division, joined the department in 2019.
My deepest condolences are with the family of Jefferson County Sheriff Deputy Brandon Shirley. Please pray for his loved ones and our brothers and sisters at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as they grieve. On behalf of the Chicago Police Department, we stand with you.
— Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown (@ChiefDavidBrown) August 5, 2021
Aubrey described Shirley as courageous and well-liked.
Shirley and three other officers were recently awarded the medal of valor for assisting during a shooting at Jefferson Square Park, the sheriff said.
Forty-five law enforcement officers have been fatally wounded in the U.S. so far this year, according to FBI data.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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