Kenton police officer wounded, suspect dead in Saturday shooting

The suspect, Steve C. Davis, 47, of Kenton, sustained a fatal gunshot wound. He was a former county dog warden and previous member of the BKP ambulance staff, the Kenton Times reports.

Officer Skyler Newfer, who was wearing a bulletproof vest,  sustained two wounds and was transferred by medical helicopter to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Officer Newfer was reported in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries Saturday night at the hospital.

Officers responded to a domestic dispute on Grove Street at about 5 p.m. When two officers arrived, Davis fled the scene in a vehicle going west on State Route 309.

The officers pursued him and they were joined by deputies from the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.

Davis reportedly stopped shortly after turning onto County Road 106 and fired a rifle at the approaching cruisers. Both vehicles were disabled by the shots and Officer Newfer was struck by the gunfire.

Officers exchanged fire with Davis, who fled again, going west on County Road 106.

Deputy Bryan Bodine carried Newfer to his cruiser and transported him to Hardin Memorial Hospital. A second deputy, Jayson Scott, continued to chase Davis, who stopped a second time and began firing at the officer.

Davis and the deputy continued to exchange fire, before Davis again attempted to flee. He went a short distance before crashing his vehicle.

The suspect’s vehicle was surrounded and he was found dead, sustaining at least one gunshot wound.  

Authorities have yet to determine which weapon fired the fatal shot.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification is assisting with the investigation.

Hardin County commissioners fired Davis as dog warden in 2009. He later pleaded guilty to tampering with records, falsification and disorderly conduct.