Kentucky sheriff says deputy who was fatally shot was ‘targeted,’ ‘ambushed’

A Kentucky sheriff said a deputy officer who was fatally shot was “targeted” and “ambushed,” according to USA Today.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey and Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Erika Shields shared their condolences for JCCO deputy Brandon Shirley. 

Shirley died early Thursday morning after he was shot in a parking lot in an unmarked vehicle. The 26-year-old was assigned to work for the office’s court security division, according to USA Today. 

Shirley, a two-year veteran of the police force, radioed in his own shooting, telling 911 dispatchers that he’s had  been hit, and requested medical assistance. He was later taken to a nearby hospital where he died. 

“Sadly, his wounds provided to be too extensive, and he did not survive,” Aubrey said at the press conference on Thursday. 

Shields, whose department has taken over the investigation, said during the press conference that it has the confidence that Shirley was “targeted” and “ambushed,” calling his death “sickening,” USA Today reported. 

“We can say with a feeling of confidence that he was targeted, and that he was ambushed,” Shields said. “It is just sickening. We will make an arrest.” 

The news comes after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) shared his condolences following Shirley’s death, saying that he is grateful for the slain officer’s “bravery, selflessness and dedication to the people of the commonwealth.” 

Britainy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Deputy Brandon Shirley, and to the brave members of the Jefferson Co. Sherriff’s Department. We are forever grateful for Deputy Shirley’s bravery, selflessness and dedication to the people of the commonwealth. ^AB

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 5, 2021

Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating and no suspects have been named or arrested, USA Today noted.