Update (March 15, 2018) – As Kentucky State Police personnel continue the investigation into the murder of Pikeville Police Department Officer Scotty Hamilton, their focus has shifted to locating a specific individual.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for 55 year old John Russell Hall of Hurricane Road in Pikeville for Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
He is being sought for questioning relating to the murder of Officer Hamilton. Hall should be considered armed and dangerous and anyone observing him should call 911 immediately.
Those with information concerning the whereabouts of John Russell Hall are urged to contact Kentucky State Police Post 9 at 606-433-7711. Information can also be conveyed through the agency’s webpage, social media sites or the KSP mobile app.
Attached is the picture of John Russell Hall. The picture was taken in 2015. Additional details will follow as they develop.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
Pikeville, Ky. (March 14, 2018) – An officer with Pikeville Police Department was shot to death late Tuesday evening in Pike County. Officer Scotty Hamilton and Trooper Matt Martin were conducting a criminal patrol on Hurricane Creek when they encountered a suspicious vehicle in the area.
Officers spoke with the occupants of a vehicle and assessed the area around a nearby residence for possible subjects on foot. While canvasing the area Officer Hamilton and Trooper Martin were separated. Gunshots were fired a short time later within close proximity to the residence.
Trooper Martin located Officer Hamilton who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Officer Scotty Hamilton was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office.
The perpetrator was not located at the scene. Troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 9, KSP Special Response Team, and Pikeville P.D. have been actively searching for possible suspects.
Detective Randy Combs with KSP’s Critical Incident Response Team is leading this investigation, along with detectives with KSP Post 9. Additional details will follow when available.
