Kentucky State Police investigators have established the identity of the suspect in Sunday’s death investigation, and they have named the officer who responded and discharged his weapon from his patrol vehicle.
With the assistance of Daviess County Coroner’s Office, KSP confirmed the identity of the suspect as 39-year-old Ray S. Payne of Evansville, Ind.
Officer Michael Matthews, 56 of Owensboro, responded and discharged his weapon from his patrol vehicle. Matthews is an 11-year veteran of the Owensboro Police Department.
According to KSP, Matthews has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is normal protocol for most police agencies, including OPD, when officers are involved in the use of force (police-related shootings).
The investigation is still ongoing.
Payne died after committing suicide following a traffic stop Sunday morning in the area of West Parrish Avenue and Walnut Street.
The incident was originally described by officials as an “officer-involved shooting” because an officer discharged his firearm at the time of the incident, even though it was not the cause of death.
Kentucky State Police handled the investigation.
The original story about the incident can be found here.
