Kentucky State Police confirms that two people who died in an officer-involved shooting in Kentucky are an Ohio man and the woman he is accused of abducting.
The Ohio State University Mansfield's department of public safety says Skylar Williams was in a campus parking lot around 11:45 a.m. Monday when the suspect, identified as Ty'rell Pounds, approached her, showed a handgun, forced her into his vehicle and drove away.
Pounds' vehicle was located but the department said he stole another vehicle.
On Monday afternoon, authorities in Kentucky got a call about a woman in a vehicle who appeared to be in distress along I-71 in Gallatin County.
A call into 911 said the woman was forced into the vehicle by a man and it appeared that she was asking for help before the vehicle sped off.
Troopers spotted a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop but Pounds continued without stopping.
The pursuit continued into Oldham County where troopers attempted to use stop sticks but were unsuccessful.
Pounds exited the interstate and the Kentucky State Police ‘performed a legal intervention stop’ to prevent the vehicle from reentering the highway.
While attempting to apprehend Pounds, the trooper heard a gunshot coming from within the vehicle.
The trooper drew his weapon and fired, striking Pounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kentucky State Police said Williams was struck by at least one round of gunfire. She was taken to the University of Louisville Hospital where she was pronounced.
Kentucky State Police say there is no footage of the shooting because the department does not have body cameras on troopers.
Statement from The Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake
Our Ohio State community suffered a tragic loss with the death of Mansfield student Skylar Williams. This senseless and shocking incident has left our campus shaken. We join Mansfield Dean Norman Jones in expressing our condolences and deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with Skylar’s family.
Additional counseling and consultation services have been made available to members of the university community in need of support on our Mansfield campus. Mansfield students can utilize the Student Assistance Program and support services are also available to students, faculty and staff across the university.
Law enforcement continues to investigate all circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Ohio State Highway Patrol at 419-756-2222.