Officials urge patience in Doug Harless investigation

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – London Mayor Randall Weddle and Police Chief Bobby Day are asking the community for patience as the investigation into the death of Doug Harless continues.

In the city’s latest “Department Talks” podcast, both leaders addressed growing public interest in the case. They noted that while the Kentucky State Police investigation is complete, the findings have now been turned over to a special prosecutor appointed by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.

According to Weddle and Day, the review process takes time, and accuracy is more important than speed.

“So the investigation, from what i understand, is completed unless something else is requested or needed or a clarification on a particular topic. and now the prosecutor has it, he will look at everything associated with it, which, again, we talk about how long it takes to do an investigation. it takes quite a while to review those things, too, because again, we want to make sure we’re thorough,” said Day during the podcast.

Both officials reiterated that the case remains active and said updates will be shared when legally appropriate.

According to officials, the case stems from a December 23, 2024 incident in Lily, Kentucky, when London police officers reportedly served a warrant for a stolen weed-eater at the wrong address. Officers allegedly forced entry into a home and fatally shot Harless, an apparently innocent man, after they said he pointed a gun at them.