State trooper kills man accused of using box cutter to threaten to harm a child in Kentucky

A Kentucky State Police trooper shot and killed a man who was allegedly threatening to harm his child Monday in Whitley County, according to state police.

Police later identified the man as 29-year-old Ronald W. Leach, of Jellico, Tenn.

About 1:26 a.m., officers responded to a report of a man threatening to harm his 1-year-old child inside a vehicle at his residence, state police said. Leach was allegedly holding the child hostage with a box cutter, according to WKYT.

When police arrived, Leach had gotten out of his vehicle and barricaded himself inside his residence with the child, according to a release from police.

The responding trooper entered the residence, where a physical altercation ensued with Leach, state police said. Leach attempted to assault the trooper with a weapon and the trooper shot and killed the suspect.

The child and trooper were not injured during the incident.

The trooper has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.

This story was originally published September 24, 2018 at 7:12 AM.