KSP releases bodycam footage of former trooper who pleaded guilty in use-of-force case
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police has released body camera footage tied to an excessive use-of-force case involving a former state trooper.
According to KSP, the footage shows events involving former trooper Hayden Kilbourne, who has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and third-degree terroristic threatening.
KSP Public Affairs Commander Sgt. Matt Sudduth said the footage is being released as part of the agency’s commitment to transparency.
Officials say the incident happened on July 28, 2023, in Carroll County during a multi-county police pursuit involving a suspect reported to be armed and driving a stolen vehicle.
Kilbourne joined the pursuit after being alerted by dispatch.
Following an administrative review, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. issued an intent to dismiss Kilbourne on August 2, 2023. Kilbourne later requested a hearing before the KSP Trial Board, which resulted in a six-month suspension without pay, ending February 15, 2024.
A criminal investigation was launched on August 4, 2023, and the case was submitted to prosecutors in September. Kilbourne was charged and arrested on September 19, 2023.
While under indictment, officials say Kilbourne was reassigned to administrative duties and did not perform sworn law enforcement work.
He resigned from the agency on January 13, 2026.
“In short, this trooper violated the sacred duty of policing,” Sudduth said.
Commissioner Burnett called the video “unacceptable,” adding that Kilbourne’s actions were out of line and appropriately prosecuted.
KSP says the identities of victims in the footage have been blurred to protect their privacy.
