A gun shot severely wounded a Columbia, KY man at the Barren County jail in Glasgow, KY on Saturday evening. The Kentucky State Police Critical Incidence team was called in at 6:32 pm Saturday, January 26 to begin investigating the incident.
Reports state that Matthew A. Stapleton, a 26 year old male from Columbia, KY was arrested earlier in Saturday evening by trooper Ricky Cross in Metcalfe County, KY and transported to the Barren County Detention Center. It is unclear at this time why Stapleton was arrested.
Once at the detention center, Cross let Stapleton out of the police cruiser. Upon exiting the car, reports indicate that a physical altercation began between Stapleton and Cross. As the altercation continued, Stapleton pulled out a handgun from his waistband. The gun fired, injuring Stapleton.
Stapleton was taken by ambulance to TJ Sampson hospital to receive immediate medical care. He was later flown to the University of Louisville Hospital. The extent of Stapleton’s wounds are unknown, but latest reports listed him in critical condition.
Officer Cross was not injured by the gun shot. However, operating off standard police procedures, Cross was placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
KSP says Matthew A. Stapleton, of Columbia, was arrested earlier Saturday evening in Metcalfe County. KSP says when Stapleton was taken out of the cruiser at the detention center, a physical altercation began between Stapleton and the KSP Trooper. The report says Stapleton then pulled a handgun from his waistband and was shot during the altercation when it discharged.
Stapleton was taken from the detention center to TJ Samson and from there flown to the University of Louisville Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
The trooper was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
