He died later at a hospital.
Advertisement
According to investigators, Ponder pulled over Johnson-Shanks around 10:20 p.m.at mile marker 58.
Update 3:55PM: KSP says they’ve arrested Ambrea R.J. Shanks (18, of Florissant, MO) with Hindering Prosecution or Apprehension 1st Degree, a class D felony.
[After Texas deputy’s death, a reminder of the increased anxiety felt by law enforcement officers amid protests].
Lisa Adams’ husband serves in the troop and says this heartbreaking reality comes with the job. He was stationed, at one point during his service, in Hawaii.
“You never want to lose anyone, especially so young”, said John Russell, who was an assistant track coach.
“I’m angry in a sense that he was just a good person and he is gone way too soon”, Webb said. “It’s gonna be tough in the coming days and for the family”. Several agencies from across western Kentucky and Tennessee aided in the search. “He was just a wonderful person and I keep thinking (about) the last moments of his life”, Webb said.
Thomas says Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, 31, was shot and killed Sunday night after a traffic stop and police chase. According to Kentucky State Police, several shots were fired at Ponder’s cruiser striking the auto and Ponder multiple times. He died later at a hospital. He had additionally graduated from the police academy in January.
Kentucky State Police will hold a news briefing at 4 p.m.
His death is the second for Kentucky State Police from the same cadet class of 12.
The suspect, 25-year-old Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks of Florissant, Missouri, ran away.
After Johnson-Shanks murdered Ponder he became the subject of an extensive manhunt, which ended when he refused to put down his (illegally possessed) handgun and was shot by police.
People from across the country are mourning the loss of Kentucky State Police Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder.
However, while the trooper was in his cruiser trying to arrange the motel room, Shanks drove off, initiating a chase that reached speeds of up to 115 miles per hour, Thomas said. It is expected to remain closed until at least noon.
A Kentucky State Trooper is dead after a suspect opened fire on Interstate 24 in Lyon Co.
Ponder, a Navy veteran, had been on the state police drive lower than a yr.
Johnson-Shanks had fled the scene on foot. An autopsy is scheduled for Johnson-Shanks on September Tuesday in Madisonville.
Advertisement
The business owner said it’s a sad situation for the entire Lyon County community. White didn’t mention any injuries in his brief update. Drivers are being re-routed in that area.
