Kentucky State Police are investigating a shooting in western Kentucky involving an officer with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.
KSP Post 3 in Bowling Green received a call shortly before 2:00 Thursday morning to assist the Butler County Sheriff’s Department regarding a report of a domestic dispute occurring on Brownsville Road in the Morgantown community. Conservation Officer Jonathan Barks was nearby and responded to assist deputies and arrived first on the scene.
Police say Officer Barks found 55-year old Gary Ranburger of Morgantown outside his residence near a vehicle and armed. During a confrontation, both men exchanged gunfire and Ranburger was hit multiple times. Ranburger was transported from the scene by ambulance and eventually flown via medical helicopter to TriStar Medical Center in Nashville where he is listed in critical but stable condition. Police indicate Barker was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation continues and is being conducted by the KSP Critical Incident Response Team.
No further information is being released at this time.
