Kentucky State Police is investigating after a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Officer exchanged gunfire with a suspect early Thursday morning.
Kentucky State Police said Thursday morning at approximately 1:30, Fish and Wildlife Officer Jonathan Barks responded to 2969 Brownsville Road, in Morgantown, to assist on a domestic violence call. Barks, who was nearby, arrived at the residence first and encountered 55-year-old Gary L. Ranburger, of Morgantown, outside his residence.
Police said Ranburger was armed, and a confrontation ensued with shots being exchanged between Ranburger and Barks, where Barks struck Ranburger multiple times.
Ranburger was airlifted to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville where he is currently listed in critical but stable condition, police said. Barks was not injured.
Barks has been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in all critical incidents, according to a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife spokesperson.
The investigation continues and is being conducted by members of the KSP Critical Incident Response Team.
(Photo: Scene of the shootout between Fish and Wildlife Officer and Morgantown man)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
