A fatal police shooting has left a Kentucky community in mourning after police allegedly served a search warrant at the wrong address. Doug Harless, a 61-year-old man, was fatally shot in his own home on December 23 in Laurel County. According to Kentucky State Police, London police officers who arrived at the wrong address, killed Harless. They were actually trying to serve a warrant at 489 Vanzant Road but arrived at 511 Vanzant Road..
Dispatch audio obtained by a television station, WKYT, confirms that police repeatedly attempted to serve the search warrant at the wrong address. The misidentification happened at least five times. Harless’ neighbours and activists believe that this fatal police shooting was a tragic mistake.
The night of the shooting, police claimed Harless allegedly pointed a gun at officers, prompting them to fire their weapons. Initial reports from the London Police Department made no mention of Harless being armed. However, after three days, the department claimed Harless “produced a firearm and pointed it at officers,” according to WKYT.
Victim of fatal police shooting was quiet and humble
Neighbours described Harless as a quiet and humble person, completely unconnected to criminal activity. Carl Merritt, a neighbour who lives across the street, told LEX18 the incident was “hurtful.” Merritt said Harless was the kind of person who “stayed to himself, never bothered nobody.” He expressed disbelief that such an event occurred so close to his home.
Merritt claims his home surveillance camera captured the critical moments leading to Harless’ death. The footage reportedly shows police officers on Harless’ porch, repeatedly banging on the door before forcing their way inside. According to him, police shot Harless almost immediately after making entry, without fully opening the door.
Merritt, along with his wife, was stunned by the speed at which the officers acted. He said, “It was just that quick.” The Kentucky State Police now have the surveillance footage, and they are investigating the fatal shooting.
In recent years, authorities have recorded increased incidents of wrong address raids and fatal police shootings. These have sparked national debates over police practices. Similar incidents in the U.S. have often led to public outcry and calls for police reform. Authorities are yet to release full details about what led to the confusion in this case.
Neighbours, activists, and authorities seek answers
The tragic incident has sparked outrage in the community. Harless’s neighbours believe the police shot the wrong person, making this fatal police shooting a senseless act. Local residents have demanded answers, with many questioning how such a critical mistake could happen.
One neighbour said: “For something like that to happen to that poor man, it hurts me really.” The sentiment is echoed by many in the community. They believe that Harless was simply an innocent victim of a tragic mistake.
Activists and community leaders have urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate the fatal police shooting. They said such incidents only serve to increase the already fraught relationship between law enforcement and local communities.
Public reaction to the killing has been swift and widespread. Activists urge lawmakers to reconsider the use of force in situations involving mistaken identity or wrong addresses. They demand that the police involved must face consequences for the death of an innocent man. Many argue that Harless’ death could have been prevented with proper police procedures and better communication.
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