KSP: Police investigating after DCSO deputy shoots burglar

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) - Police are investigating after authorities say a Daviess County sheriff’s deputy shot a burglar Friday morning.

DCSO officials say deputies were investigating a string of burglaries in the area of the 9300 block of U.S. 60 West.

According to a press release, deputies responded to a report of a man with a hammer breaking into homes in the area.

The sheriff’s office says they found the burglary suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Gregory Embry of Owensboro, inside a house when an altercation occurred between Deputy Alex Cooms and Embry.

During that altercation, officials say the deputy shot the suspect.

Officials say Embry was taken to Owensboro Health and is currently in critical condition. Deputy Cooms wasn’t injured.

Authorities told our crew on scene that a woman was inside the house when the suspect broke in. They say she took a fall and is also at the hospital.

Daviess County Sheriff Barry Smith told 14 News the suspect had broken into three houses in a row in that neighborhood.

”He knows some of the occupants in the homes, and he’s doing damage to TVs and other portions of the residence,” Sheriff Smith said. “Like I said, he assaulted one of the females inside of the residence.”

According to the press release from DCSO, two different neighbors called dispatch, informing them that the suspect broke into their homes.

“[They] Stated that someone had broken into their home, had actually assaulted one of the subjects inside the residence, and later went from one house to another house,” Sheriff Smith said. “Upon our arrival, he’s at the last house, where the shooting incident occurred.”

14 News spoke with Melissa Harley, a gas station cashier who heard the sirens as law enforcement approached the scene.

Harley says she never expected something like this to happen in their quiet area.

She says Embry, as well as the occupants of the homes on the block, were all customers of the gas station she works at.

“I feel really bad for the family and anybody that was involved, but it still doesn’t change the fact that you know, me even being here, not that far away, I still feel completely safe out here,” Harley said. “Everybody knows everybody, they kind of keep an eye out and stuff so, it’s just really great people.”

Officials with the Kentucky State Police say they are investigating the shooting, while DCSO is investigating the burglaries.

KSP officials say criminal charges are pending at this time.

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