Updated: Lexington police officer, robbery suspect suffer injuries in a shooting

A Lexington police officer and a robbery suspect are both in the hospital after being shot during an incident on West New Circle Road Wednesday night, according to police.

The shooting took place around 11 p.m. Wednesday in the 400 block of West New Circle Road while officers were investigating a robbery. Police say three officers found a vehicle associated with the robbery, and the driver accelerated their vehicle towards the officers.

The officers responded by firing their weapons, according to police. Officers gave first aid to the driver before the driver was transported to the hospital.

The officer who was shot suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The suspect who was shot was in critical but stable condition.

Police did not clarify if the suspect shot the officer. When asked Thursday if the suspect was armed or fired shots, Lexington police said the investigation was ongoing and they couldn’t release more information.

“This is still an ongoing investigation and the Kentucky State Police is investigating,” said Hannah Sloan, a spokesperson for the Lexington Police Department. “KSP will be the ones who determine when information is released. At this time, we do not have any additional updates.”

State police did not immediately respond to questions about the shooting.

Police also did not release names of those involved in the shooting and did not provide additional information on the robbery that was being investigated. However, court records indicate police arrested someone late Wednesday in the 400 block of West New Circle Road and charged them with robbery and possessing a gun as a convicted felon.

Police did not confirm if that arrest was connected to the shooting that occurred Wednesday. In an affidavit filed by police to obtain an arrest warrant, Lexington police alleged that two suspects had robbed someone several days earlier, taking a cell phone, wallet, $4,000 in cash and the victim’s paycheck.

The robbery allegedly happened outside the victim’s home, according to court documents.

Police say the officers had their bodycams activated when the shooting occurred. They will be placed on administrative assignment pending the outcome of an investigation.

Kentucky State Police are leading the investigation, which is common for shootings involving police officers. State police have statewide jurisdiction to investigate critical incidents.

Members of law enforcement investigate the scene where a Lexington police officer and another person were reportedly shot near Deja Vu on New Circle Road.
Members of law enforcement investigate the scene where a Lexington police officer and another person were reportedly shot near Deja Vu on New Circle Road.

This is the third shooting involving a Lexington police officer in September and the fifth this year. On Sept. 1 police shot an armed individual who wasn’t complying with verbal commands from officers on Jennifer Road, police said. That suspect suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

One week later police shot and killed 40-year-old Joshua Hagans during an incident at the Extended Stay America on Tates Creek Road. An officer also was shot during the incident, police said.

Members of law enforcement investigate the scene where a Lexington police officer and another person were reportedly shot near Deja Vu on New Circle Road.
Members of law enforcement investigate the scene where a Lexington police officer and another person were reportedly shot near Deja Vu on New Circle Road.

This is a developing story and may be updated.