KSP searching for alleged Whitley County shooter after gunshot wound hospitalizes man

SILER, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW via LEX NEWS) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 is searching for a 27-year-old man accused of shooting and hospitalizing a 64-year-old Whitley County man Friday afternoon, according to a press release.

According to the press release, KSP Post 11 was contacted by Whitley County 911 on Friday regarding a shooting incident that occurred on Harps Creek Road in the Siler community.

The reported victim, a 64-year-old man from Siler, was reportedly shot and transported to Baptist Health in Corbin before finally being transferred to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, where he remains at this time.

Authorities determined that 27-year-old Zachary A. Partin of Siler got into a verbal argument with the victim at his (the victim’s) residence. KSP reports that the argument escalated and then Partin allegedly shot the man in his abdomen before fleeing the scene.

Authorities searched the area but were unable to locate Partin. According to KSP Trooper Corey Jones, he was last seen around 3:35 p.m. near the 900 block of Harps Creek Road, and his direction of travel remains unknown.

The shooting investigation remains ongoing. Residents with information on Partin’s whereabouts are asked to contact KSP Post 11 at (606) 878-6622 or to contact 911. Residents are urged not to approach the suspect.

Assisting KSP on-scene Friday was Whitley County EMS, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Office, the Williamsburg Police Department, and Whitley County Emergency Management.

This is an ongoing story, and ABC 36 News will provide more information as it becomes available.