Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 is continuing the investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 11, 2023 on KY90 in Clinton County. KSP has conducted all necessary interviews with vital witnesses and officers involved in this incident.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) attempted to stop a 2010 Nissan Titan in Wayne County which was suspected to be involved in a hit-and-run vehicle collision. The vehicle failed to yield to the traffic stop and a pursuit was initiated. It was determined the vehicle was being operated by Mark Buchanan, age 56 of Somerset, and he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The pursuit entered Clinton County on KY90, where Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputy Brad Cross took the lead in the pursuit. Deputy Cross attempted to pass Mr. Buchanan’s vehicle on two separate occasions, and both times the fleeing vehicle intentionally collided with Deputy Cross’s cruiser. Deputy Cross attempted to pass Mr. Buchanan’s vehicle a third time and again the fleeing vehicle attempted to collide with his cruiser, but Deputy Cross was able to avoid the collision by performing evasive maneuvers with his cruiser in an attempt to avoid another collision. Deputy Cross then discharged his agency-issued firearm striking Mr. McCormick, causing the vehicle to come to a stop.
Clinton County EMS responded to the scene and rendered aid. Mr. Buchanan was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Clinton County Corner. An autopsy was performed by the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Louisville.
In accordance with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, Deputy Cross was placed on administrative leave for two weeks. Deputy Cross is a 2-year veteran of the department and a 23-year veteran of law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time.
----------------
ALBANY, KY (July 11, 2023) - The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Columbia has been requested by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred at approximately 6:11 p.m. CST in Clinton County.
At the request of the CCSO, KSP Post 15 troopers and detectives responded to the scene near the intersection of KY90 and Willow Grove Road. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
A male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Clinton County Coroner.
KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.
