On Sunday, September 13, 2015 at approximately 10:20 P.M CST, Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 24 around the 58 mile marker westbound.

After making contact with the driver, the vehicle fled from the stop. A pursuit ensued with the suspect stopping abruptly around the 49 mile marker, causing the front of Trooper Ponder’s police cruiser to make contact with the rear of the suspect vehicle.

At this time, the driver of the suspect vehicle fired several shots into the police cruiser striking the hood, windshield and Trooper Ponder multiple times. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

Trooper Ponder was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton, KY where he succumbed to his injuries at 11:41 P.M. CST.

The suspect was identified as Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks, 25, of Florissant, Missouri. He was described as a black male approximately 5’5”, 140 pounds, brown eyes and black hair.

On Monday, September 14 at approximately 7:00 A.M CST, KSP Troopers located Johnson-Shanks in a wooded area in close proximity to Interstate 24. Upon making contact with Johnson-Shanks, Troopers of the Special Response Team (SRT) observed him with a firearm and instructed him to relinquish it.

Johnson-Shanks refused verbal commands and aimed the weapon at the Troopers. An SRT Trooper discharged his agency issued weapon striking Johnson-Shanks. He was transported via ambulance to the Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton, KY for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries at 08:23 A.M. CST.

Trooper Ponder, 31, was a native of Rineyville, KY. Upon graduation from the KSP Training Academy in January 2015, he was stationed at Post 1, Mayfield and assigned to Trigg County.

On Monday afternoon, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear released the following statement regarding the death of Trooper Ponder:

“Jane and I are deeply saddened by the death of Trooper Ponder. Senseless acts like this are a tragic reminder of the risks that our law enforcement officers face every day, just by putting on their uniform and doing their job,” Gov. Beshear said. “That he was killed in the line of duty makes his death memorable, but we must never forget the most significant part of Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder’s story – how he lived, his selfless service to others, and his willingness to give his life for that commitment.”

Also on Monday, U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY-01), whose district includes Trigg County where Ponder was killed, issued the following statement:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Kentucky State Police Trooper, Joseph Cameron Ponder. Trooper Ponder was callously murdered while carrying out his duties to serve and protect the citizens of Kentucky. Our nation must stand united with the men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives every day to ensure that we are able to live in a safe and peaceful society.”

The investigation is continuing by the KSP. Multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation.