Suspect in Shooting of Ky. Sheriff's Deputy Caught after Manhunt

Jan. 13, 2025
Kentucky State Police deployed drones to help in the search of a 53-year-old man who allegedly opened fire during a call, wounding a Breckinridge County sheriff's deputy and striking two cruisers.

By Christopher Leach

Source Lexington Herald-Leader


A man accused of shooting a Kentucky sheriff’s deputy was arrested by police after a brief manhunt Sunday, according to Kentucky State Police.

Julio Morales, 53, was wanted in Breckinridge County after police say he shot a sheriff’s deputy who was responding to a call for a domestic incident. KSP said deputies were at a home near the 2100 block of KY 2779 when Morales opened fire, striking two cruisers and one deputy.

The deputy suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to KSP. Morales fled the house into an nearby wooded area.

A manhunt for Morales ensured. KSP Trooper Scotty Sharp said KSP’s Aviation Branch and drones assisted with the search.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sharp announced that Morales had been taken into custody without incident. KSP was originally contacted about the shooting around 6 p.m. Saturday.

Morales’ warrant charged him with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and fourth-degree assault.

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