Kentucky sheriff’s deputy shot and killed in traffic stop

GEORGETOWN, Ky. — A Kentucky sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop by someone who fled before being arrested, officials said.

Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Conley was shot Monday night during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 near Georgetown just before 5 p.m., and the shooter fled, Sheriff Tony said Hampton at a press conference.

Someone called to report a deputy had been shot, and responders arrived fairly quickly, Hampton said. The suspect was in custody, but Hampton said he knew nothing about the suspect. He did not know why the vehicle had been stopped.

Conley was taken to the hospital, where he later died, Kentucky State Police said in a news release. A state police team is investigating the shooting at the request of the sheriff’s office, officials said.

“This hero made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will be forever grateful to him,” Governor Andy Beshear said in a statement.

Conley, who had worked for the sheriff’s office for four years and had served in the US military for eight years prior, took his job seriously, Hampton said. Survivors include his wife and young children.

“He was just a go-getter and he loved his job, and it’s a shame he got cut short because he loved that job so much and was so good at it,” Hampton said.