***UPDATE*** BENTON, Ky. (January 18, 2024) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 detectives have continued the investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 9 in Marshall County.
The preliminary investigation reveals that Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Spears was on routine patrol at approximately 4:30 am CT on January 9 when he observed what he believed to be a theft in progress at a residential construction site on Harold King Drive in the city limits of Benton. A pickup truck was backed up to a utility trailer at the construction site. Deputy Spears stopped to check on the truck and its occupants when he observed a male subject appear from behind the truck. The male subject, later identified as John B. Ross, 43 years old of Paducah, KY, pointed a handgun in the direction of Deputy Spears and fired the weapon. Deputy Spears returned fire with his agency-issued handgun, striking Mr. Ross. Mr. Ross was transported to an area hospital and later transferred to an out-of-state hospital where he was treated and released from medical care. Deputy Spears was not struck by any of the shots fired by Ross.
While Ross was receiving medical attention, a warrant for his arrest was obtained. Upon his release from medical care, he was arrested and served with the warrant, charging him with Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun, and Theft by Unlawful Taking (greater than $10,000 but less than $1,000,000). On January 17, Ross waived a preliminary hearing and presentation of the case to a grand jury, resulting in a Circuit Court arraignment scheduled for February 13.
A second male subject, later identified as Kevin M. Sorensen, 35 years old of Paducah, KY was located in the driver’s seat of the pickup truck at the time of the incident. Sorensen was arrested at the scene and charged with Burglary, 1st Degree. The charge of Burglary, 1st degree was later amended to Theft By Unlawful Taking (greater than $10,000 but less than $1,000,000). On January 17, Sorensen waived a preliminary hearing and presentation of the case to a grand jury, resulting in a Circuit Court arraignment scheduled for February 13.
Deputy Nick Spears has 16 years of law enforcement experience and is a 5-year veteran with Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Spears has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with the policies of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
Original Release Below
BENTON, Ky. (January 9, 2024) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 has been requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. CST on January 9 in Marshall County. At the request of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, KSP Post 1 responded to the scene and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing by KSP Post 1 detectives.
One male subject was transported by Marshall County EMS to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
A second male subject has been arrested and charged by KSP detectives for Burglary, 1st degree.
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.