Gov. Andy Beshear is recognizing the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team for rescuing four people trapped under gunfire during a deadly standoff in Adair County in April. The incident occurred on April 20 after Adair County deputies responded to a disturbance on Chestnut Grove Road near Columbia.

Rescue Efforts

Authorities said deputies and a civilian became pinned down after an armed suspect, 38-year-old Ryan Sneed, opened fire, leaving them trapped for several hours. Additional law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky State Police troopers, responded to the scene but also came under fire from the barricaded suspect.

KSP’s Special Response Team was called in and deployed the agency’s armored 2021 Chevrolet Suburban High Country. Using the vehicle as a mobile shield, troopers were able to safely reach the trapped deputies and civilian and bring them to safety.

Beshear said in a statement, ‘Thank you to our Special Response Team for their bravery in supporting their neighbors and their local law enforcement colleagues. This example of teamwork and selflessness represents the best of Kentucky.’

Investigation

The incident unfolded during what investigators described as a triple homicide and armed standoff involving Sneed. Authorities said Sneed fatally shot his mother, Joyce Sneed, his aunt, Debra Clark, and Michael Curry before the confrontation with law enforcement. State police later shot and killed Sneed following the hours-long standoff.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.