Elizabethtown officer shot man during struggle over taser: KSP

Call started out as a domestic situation: KSP

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WTVQ) – On Tuesday., Dec. 7 at approximately 5:43 p.m. EST, the Kentucky State Police’s (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team was requested by the Elizabethtown Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Hardin County.

KSP has conducted all necessary interviews of vital witness and officers involved. At this time, KSP is able to release findings from the preliminary investigation, which reveals Elizabethtown Police Department Sgt. Chris Lewis was assisting with a domestic violence investigation on Dec. 7. Sgt. Lewis transported several juvenile witnesses along with the victim to their residence on Pleasant View Drive.

Upon arrival at the residence the officer discovered the alleged suspect, 34-year-old Gary McCormick, of Elizabethtown, the KSP said in a statement. Shortly after Sgt. Lewis exited his vehicle to speak with McCormick an altercation ensued. Sgt. Lewis deployed his agency issued taser on the suspect. However, McCormick disarmed Sgt. Lewis of his taser and attempted to use it on the officer. Sgt. Lewis then discharged his agency issued firearm striking McCormick, the KSP said.

Sgt. Lewis attempted to render medical aid on McCormick until EMS arrived. McCormick was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Hardin County Corner. An autopsy was scheduled by the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Louisville.

In accordance with the Elizabethtown Police Department’s policies and procedures, Sgt. Lewis was placed on administrative leave for two weeks. Sgt. Lewis is a nine-year veteran of the department assigned to field operations.

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s Standard Operating Procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.