KY police officer shoots man who allegedly charged at officers with a knife
A police officer in Western Kentucky shot a man who allegedly charged at the officer while armed with a knife, according to the Murray Police Department.
The shooting happened in Murray around 11:45 p.m. Monday at a residence on Brooklyn Drive.Police said they were responding to a report of a person who was out of control and armed with a knife.
The suspect, 23-year-old Eric Saxton, was alone inside an apartment when officers arrived, according to police. Before officers could speak with him, Saxton exited the apartment and charged at officers with the knife.
One officer shot Saxton, who was taken to Murray-Calloway County Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, Murray police said.
Saxton was then transferred to a hospital in Tennessee for further treatment, according to Kentucky State Police. Murray police said he was later arrested in Tennessee after being released from a medical facility.
The officer who shot Saxton has been placed on administrative leave, Murray police said.
Saxton has been charged with attempted murder of a first responder, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Murray police. He will be booked into a Tennessee jail while awaiting extradition to Kentucky.
State police are investigating the shooting, which is routine when law enforcement officers are involved.
“KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation,” state police said in a news release. “To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts have been gathered.”
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This story was originally published June 17, 2025 at 2:23 PM.
