Officers Identified in Fatal Nelson County Shooting

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Kentucky State Police have identified the two Nelson County Sheriff's Office deputies involved in the fatal shooting of 80-year-old Norman Perkins in January. Perkins was killed after allegedly pointing a gun at deputies during a traffic stop in Bardstown, Kentucky. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Why it matters

Officer-involved shootings, especially those resulting in a fatality, are highly scrutinized events that raise questions about use of force, de-escalation tactics, and the overall relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This case will likely prompt further examination of the deputies' actions and the circumstances leading up to Perkins' death.

The details

According to authorities, deputies attempted to pull over Perkins after receiving a 911 call about him becoming disorderly and threatening someone with a gun at a local animal shelter. Perkins allegedly refused to yield until he pulled into a parking lot, where he then pointed a gun at the deputies. The deputies then fired their weapons, fatally striking Perkins. Attempts to provide first aid were unsuccessful.

• The incident occurred on January 7, 2026.
• Kentucky State Police released an update on the investigation on February 12, 2026, identifying the two deputies involved.

What’s next

The Nelson County Sheriff's Office and Kentucky State Police will continue their investigation into the incident, which will likely include reviewing body camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and determining whether the deputies' use of force was justified.