KSP continues investigation of Marshall County officer-involved shooting

Kentucky State Police Post 1 detectives are continuing the investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 9 in Marshall County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Marshall County deputy Nick Spears was on patrol at approximately 4:30 am when he observed what he believed to be a theft in progress at a residential construction site on Harold King Drive in Benton. 

A pickup truck was backed up to a utility trailer at the construction site. 

Deputy Spears stopped to check on the truck when he observed a male subject appear from behind the truck. The subject, later identified as 43-year-old John B. Ross of Paducah, pointed a handgun in the direction of Deputy Spears and fired the weapon. 

Deputy Spears returned fire, striking Ross. 

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.

Upon his release from medical care, Ross was arrested and charged with attempted murder of a police officer, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and theft by unlawful taking. 

A second suspect, 35-year-old  Kevin M. Sorensend of Paducah, was located in the driver's seat of the pickup truck at the time of the incident. 

On Wednesday Ross waived a preliminary hearing and presentation of the case to a grand jury.

Sorensen was arrested at the scene and charged with burglary. Sorensen also waived a preliminary hearing.

Both suspects will be arraigned in Circuit Court on February 13.

Spears has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with the policies of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.