Deputy Airlifted After Shooting in Crittenden County

Law enforcement agencies ask for prayers as deputy is hospitalized following confrontation.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:52am

An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence and danger faced by law enforcement officers.A close-up view of evidence from the shooting incident that left a Crittenden County deputy hospitalized, exposing the gritty reality of law enforcement's dangerous work.Sturgis Today

A Crittenden County Sheriff's deputy was airlifted to the hospital after being shot during a confrontation at a home in Crittenden County, Kentucky on Thursday evening. Another individual was also shot, and the coroner was called to the scene, though their condition has not been released. A woman inside the residence was transported to the hospital but was reportedly not injured by the gunfire. Multiple law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties responded to assist the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department, and Kentucky State Police are leading the investigation.

Why it matters

Incidents involving law enforcement officers being shot in the line of duty are always deeply concerning, as they put the safety of public servants at risk and can have significant impacts on the local community. This shooting raises questions about the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the ongoing investigation.

The details

According to reports, the deputy and another individual were shot around 5:00 p.m. during a confrontation at a home on Kentucky Highway 365 between Mattoon and Sturgis, about three miles from U.S. 60. The deputy was airlifted to a hospital, while the condition of the other individual has not been released. A woman inside the residence was transported by ambulance to a hospital, though she was reportedly not injured by the gunfire. Multiple law enforcement agencies from surrounding counties responded to assist the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department, and Kentucky State Police are leading the investigation.

  • The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency responding to the incident.

Kentucky State Police

The state law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the shooting.

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What’s next

Kentucky State Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the condition of the deputy and other individual involved is still being monitored.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks and dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, and underscores the importance of community support and cooperation with law enforcement investigations to ensure public safety.