Walter Leon Alexander Jr. (Photo credit: Hardin County Detention Center)
RADCLIFF, KY– The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) continues to investigate the trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at approximately 1:00 A.M. EST in Hardin County.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Meade County and discovered that the subject driving the vehicle, Walter Leon Alexander Jr., a 29-year-old male from Louisville, had an active felony arrest warrant. Troopers attempted to place Mr. Alexander under arrest, but he fled the scene in his vehicle leading to a pursuit. After a brief time, Mr. Alexander’s vehicle was involved in a collision near Radcliff in Hardin County and ending the vehicle pursuit.
Mr. Alexander then exited the vehicle with a firearm, shooting in the direction of the pursuing troopers. Trooper Isaac Atwell and Trooper Dillon Spencer both utilized their agency-issued firearms, exchanging gunfire with Mr. Alexander; Mr. Alexander was struck, ending the incident. Once safe, troopers provided life-saving measures on Mr. Alexander. He was later transported to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Mr. Alexander was released from the hospital, placed under arrest and transported to Hardin County Detention Center.
Walter Alexander has been charged with:
- Two (2) counts of attempted murder of a police officer
- Fleeing or evading police 1st degree
- Wanton endangerment 1st degree
- Criminal mischief 1st degree
In accordance with KSP policies and procedures, Troopers Spencer and Atwell were placed on administrative leave. Trooper Spencer is a two (2) year and six (6) month veteran of the agency; Trooper Atwell is a one (1) year and three (3) month veteran of the agency.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. 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 gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
Original News Release below:
RADCLIFF, KY (April 17, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is investigating a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday April 17, 2022, at approximately 1:00 a.m. EST in Hardin County.
The KSP Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. A subject was transported to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. 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 gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
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