Kentucky State Police is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place over the weekend. On Sunday morning at approximately 5:30, Central City Police Officers responded to a shoplifting complaint at the Central City Wal-Mart in Muhlenberg County. As officers arrived, the suspect identified as Jason Nash, 43, of Nashville, Tennessee fled Wal-Mart in his 1998 Honda Accord. Nash continued to flee the police traveling eastbound on the Western Kentucky Parkway at speeds near 120 miles per hour. He drove almost 20 miles to the Western Kentucky Travel Plaza in Beaver Dam (Ohio County) where he left his car and fled officers on foot. Nash climbed on top of a parked semi truck and threatened to shoot the police officers. Nash refused to comply with the verbal commands given by the police officers. Nash continued with threats and then reached for a black object in his waistband. Fearing for their safety, Central City Police Officer Brian Melton and Beaver Dam Officer Don Huber fired their service weapon in response to Nash’s actions. Nash, who was struck one time in the abdomen, was still non-compliant. One of the officers was able to use a taser to gain compliance from Nash. During the course of the investigation, the black object Nash attempted to retrieve from his waistband was a cell phone cover.
Nash was immediately transported to Owensboro Regional Heath Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He has been charged with the following:
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Fugitive from justice-Robbery/Assault
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Fleeing Police 1st-Degree
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Receiving Stolen Property over $1,000
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Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree.
The Kentucky State Police was requested to investigate this shooting as an independent entity. During the course of the investigation, the black object Nash attempted to retrieve from his waistband was a black cell phone cover.
This investigation is on-going by KSP Sergeant Jason Pagan. He was assisted by KSP Troopers, Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, Hartford Police Department, Beaver Dam Police Department, Central City Police Department and Ohio County EMS.