Kentucky police looking for man who killed trooper

image

Kentucky State Police are searching for a 25-year-old man they say shot and killed a state trooper following a traffic stop.

At about 10:20 p.m. central time on Sunday, Sept. 13, Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 24 around the 58 mile marker westbound. After making contact with the driver, the vehicle fled from the stop.

A pursuit ensued with the suspect stopping abruptly around the 49 mile marker, causing the front of Trooper Ponder’s police cruiser to make contact with the rear of the suspect vehicle. At this time, the driver of the suspect vehicle fired several shots into the police cruiser striking the hood, windshield and Ponder multiple times.

The suspect fled the scene on foot.

Ponder was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton, Ky., where he succumbed to his injuries at 11:41 p.m. CST.

The suspect has been identified as Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks, 25, of Missouri. He is described as a black male approximately 5’5”, 140 pounds, brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing dark clothing.

If anyone makes contact with the suspect, dial 911. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Ponder, 31, was a native of Rineyville, Ky. Upon graduation from the KSP Training Academy in January 2015, he was stationed at Post 1, Mayfield and assigned to Trigg County.

“Thank you for all the kind words,” Ponder’s sister posted to the KSP Facebook page. “My brother was the best man in the world and did not deserve what happened to him. Please pray for us, this was an enormous loss.”

The investigation is continuing by the KSP. Multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation.

image