KSP: Natcher Bridge open again after long closure due to incident involving man with gun

September 21, 2021 | 11:15 am

Updated September 21, 2021 | 6:00 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

(Update, 6 p.m.) — The incident at the bridge is over. KSP detectives have processed the scene and all lanes are now open.

(Update, 2:45 p.m.) — Kentucky State Police are still negotiating with a man that is keeping a gun pointed toward his head as he stands near the edge of the William H. Natcher Bridge, according to Trooper Corey King. King said the man fled law enforcement after an attempted traffic stop early this morning.

King said the man has at least four outstanding warrants in Kentucky.

King tweeted at 10:38 a.m. that the KSP Special Response Team was on scene and negotiations were continuing. According to the tweet, the person was armed with a handgun.

King said KSP is using a BearCat armored vehicle to approach the man while remaining as safe as possible. King said the man has not made any threats toward officers at this point, but they must remain alert in situations involving a gun.

“We’re doing what we can to minimize the risk for everyone involved,” King said.

King said the incident began between 2-3 a.m. when Indiana law enforcement tried to pull the man over for a traffic stop. King said the man led officers on a pursuit toward Kentucky. Tire deflation equipment was used to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the man then fled on foot to the bridge.

King tweeted at 5:24 a.m. that law enforcement from both Kentucky and Indiana were on scene and the bridge was totally shut down due to a suicidal person.

Both lanes of the bridge on U.S. 231 remain shut down. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and take an alternate route.

September 21, 2021 | 11:15 am

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