Two Deadly Police Shootings Over Weekend in Kentucky

Incidents occurred in Frankfort and Independence, with suspects brandishing firearms

Published on Feb. 2, 2026

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Kentucky State Police are investigating two deadly police shootings that occurred over the weekend. The first incident took place on Saturday evening in Frankfort when police responded to a report of shots fired at a residence and encountered a 56-year-old man, Bryan Radford, who emerged from the home brandishing a handgun. Officers fired at Radford, killing him. The second shooting happened on Sunday morning in Independence when police responded to a report of a 62-year-old man, David Works, threatening self-harm. When Works emerged from the home carrying a firearm, officers shot and killed him.

Why it matters

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges and risks faced by law enforcement when responding to volatile situations involving armed individuals. The investigations will likely examine the use of force protocols and whether de-escalation tactics could have been employed to avoid the fatal outcomes.

The details

In the Frankfort incident, police were responding to a report of shots fired at a residence on Ridgeview Drive. When they arrived, they encountered Bryan Radford, 56, who emerged from the home brandishing a handgun. Officers then fired at Radford, killing him. In the Independence incident, police responded to a report of 62-year-old David Works threatening self-harm at a residence on Sharpsburg Drive. When Works emerged from the home carrying a firearm, officers shot and killed him.

  • The first officer-involved shooting occurred on Saturday evening at approximately 5:50 in Frankfort.
  • The second shooting happened on Sunday morning at approximately 7:30 in Kenton County.

The players

Bryan Radford

A 56-year-old man who was killed by police in Frankfort after emerging from a home brandishing a handgun.

David Works

A 62-year-old man who was killed by police in Independence after emerging from a home carrying a firearm while threatening self-harm.

Frankfort Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident in Frankfort.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident in Frankfort alongside the Frankfort Police Department.

Independence Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident in Independence.

Kenton County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident in Independence alongside the Independence Police Department.

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What’s next

The Kentucky State Police Critical Incidence Response Team continues to investigate both shootings.

The takeaway

These tragic incidents underscore the difficult and dangerous situations law enforcement officers can face when responding to calls involving armed individuals. The investigations will likely focus on whether the use of force was justified and if de-escalation tactics could have been more effectively employed to avoid the fatal outcomes.