Address mix-up raises questions in Laurel County police-involved shooting

Confusion over dispatch addresses emerges in deadly shooting investigation

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Dispatch audio is providing new details about an officer-involved shooting in Laurel County on December 23 that left one man dead and raised questions about whether police were at the correct address.

Audio from the London Police Department indicates law enforcement responded to “489 Vanzant Road,” where shots were reportedly fired during the execution of a search warrant.

“Responding to 489 Vanzant Road, staging the area, law enforcement on scene, shots fired,” a dispatcher is heard saying.

According to the audio around police reported shots fired at the scene late that evening prompting an EMS request.

“Be advised, there’s a subject shot. They called shots fired and they’re applying a tourniquet,” dispatch said.

According to a release from the London Police Department, when officers tried to serve the warrant at that house, the occupant presented a gun, at which time, they say they responded with force. That’s when, the release states, the man was killed.

However, Kentucky State Police (KSP), who are investigating the case, according to their report the shooting did not occur at 489 Vanzant Road but rather at 511 Vanzant Road—directly across the street.

Neighbors reported hearing loud banging and were instructed by police to remain inside their homes. One neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, told ABC 36 that the deceased man was well-liked in the community.

Adding to the confusion, GPS systems reportedly misdirect users, leading them to 511 Vanzant Road when searching for 489.

As the investigation continues, questions persist over how the address confusion may have impacted the tragic events of that night.