Walton, Kentucky, August 30, 2025
News Summary
In Walton, Kentucky, two Boone County deputies are recovering after being shot while serving a felony warrant for child support. The shootout occurred at Towne Creek Crossing Apartments when the suspect, Justin Chapman, opened fire on the deputies. Thankfully, both were wearing bulletproof vests, which prevented life-threatening injuries. After barricading himself, Chapman was later found dead from a self-inflicted wound. An investigation is ongoing as authorities piece together the events leading to this tragic incident.
Walton, Kentucky
Two Boone County deputies are recovering following a shooting incident that occurred late Thursday night while they were attempting to execute a felony warrant against 39-year-old Justin Chapman for overdue child support. The confrontation took place around 10 p.m. at the Towne Creek Crossing Apartments, located behind a Kroger on Service Road.
As the deputies approached Chapman’s residence to serve the warrant, they faced an unexpected burst of gunfire. Chapman opened fire, striking both deputies multiple times. One deputy sustained shots to the chest, while the other was hit in the leg. Fortunately, both deputies were wearing bulletproof vests, which played a crucial role in preventing more severe injuries.
As of now, one deputy has been released from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The status of the second deputy remains uncertain, but officials have confirmed that both are recovering and that their injuries are not life-threatening. Major Phillip Ridgell of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office stated that the situation, though critical, could have ended far worse.
After the shooting, Chapman barricaded himself inside the apartment. Law enforcement efforts to communicate with him were unsuccessful. In a bid to provoke a response, SWAT team members deployed gas canisters, and when that strategy failed, a drone was utilized to assess Chapman’s condition. Tragically, he was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a second-floor bedroom.
Importantly, investigators have confirmed that during the entire incident, the deputies did not discharge their weapons. Chapman had a documented history of legal issues, including ongoing cases of failing to pay child support, resisting arrest, and domestic violence. Reports indicate that a protection order was granted in 2009 against him by a woman who cited abusive behavior while in possession of their infant child.
Further details reveal that Chapman was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq. He was reportedly undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had multiple previous instances of failing to comply with arrest warrants stemming from domestic violence and child support grievances.
This incident has been described as a “worst nightmare type of situation” for the families of the injured deputies, according to the sheriff’s office. A criminal investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities seek to piece together all aspects of the event.
Summary of Key Incident Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | Thursday Night, ~10 p.m. |
| Location | Towne Creek Crossing Apartments, Walton, Kentucky |
| Shooting Victims | Two Boone County deputies |
| Suspect | Justin Chapman, age 39 |
| Injuries | Deputy shot in chest, another in leg |
| Suspect Outcome | Deceased from self-inflicted gunshot wound |
| Previous History | Repeat child support offender, domestic violence |
| Status of Investigation | Ongoing criminal investigation |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What led to the shooting incident involving the Boone County deputies?
The deputies were serving a felony warrant for overdue child support when they faced gunfire from the suspect, Justin Chapman.
2. Were the deputies seriously injured during the incident?
Both deputies were injured but were wearing bulletproof vests, which prevented more severe injuries. Their conditions have been reported to be improving.
3. What was the response of law enforcement following the shooting?
After Chapman barricaded himself in the apartment, SWAT team members attempted to communicate with him and ultimately used strategic methods, including gas canisters and a drone, to assess the situation.
4. What was the background of the suspect Justin Chapman?
Chapman was a U.S. Army veteran with a history of legal troubles related to child support and domestic violence. He was undergoing treatment for PTSD and had prior incidents of failing to comply with law enforcement actions.
5. Is there an ongoing investigation into the incident?
Yes, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a criminal investigation is ongoing regarding the shooting incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Publix Super Markets Expands to Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green Approves Major Zoning Change
Additional Resources
- WDRB News
- Wikipedia: Walton, Kentucky
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Kentucky police shooting
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Walton, Kentucky
- Fox 56 News
- Google News: Kentucky highway spill
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
