Police: Shooting of man by state trooper was justified

OWENSBORO, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky authorities have determined the fatal shooting of a Frankfort man by a state trooper was justified.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports the shooting of 24-year-old Rueben T. Ruffin Jr. was reviewed by Kentucky State Police’s critical response team, and the results were presented to a prosecutor.

KSP Public Affairs Officer Corey King says the investigation determined it was a justified shooting. Commonwealth’s Attorney Bruce Kuegel said Friday he will not take the case to a grand jury for possible charges against KSP Trooper Blake Owens.

Ruffin was shot in a western Kentucky field in March. The incident began as a suspicious person call.

King said Owens came upon Ruffin, who was brandishing a handgun, and ordered him to drop it. Ruffin raised the handgun and began walking toward Owens. Reports say Owens shot Ruffin twice.