Shooting investigation in Laurel County leads to arrest

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A shooting investigation in Laurel County Friday morning led to the arrest of a convicted felon on multiple charges.

Deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim at a shed behind a residence off U.S. 25, about two miles north of London, around 8 a.m. Friday. They found Jacob Hurley, 27, of East Bernstadt, with a gunshot wound to the hand. He told deputies the gun accidentally discharged while he was cleaning it.

Authorities say another man at the scene, William Joseph Malicoat, 43, left with the firearm but was later located by Deputy Bobby Roberts. Malicoat, a convicted felon with an outstanding warrant, was taken into custody.

Hurley was airlifted to UK Medical Center, while Malicoat was charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He also faces additional charges related to a Feb. 5 incident where he allegedly stole gas and sped away from police in a stolen vehicle.

Malicoat was booked into the Laurel County Correctional Center.