On Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 5:28pmCT, Adair 911 received a call from the 3000 block of KY 61 north of a reported shooting. The first caller was 29-year-old Adrian Ballou who advised his stepfather had shot him. A second call came in nearly at the same time and was Ballou’s stepfather, 40-year-old Jeremy Austin of Columbia, who advised dispatch that he had shot his stepson.
Upon the arrival of Adair County Deputies, they found that Ballou had been shot in the right knee with a 9mm. He was located about a mile from the scene and was treated by Adair EMS. Ballou was then transported to TJ Health Columbia and later transferred to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicated there had been a physical altercation between the two within a few days of the incident where Adrian Ballou had assaulted Jeremy Austin multiple times in his home. On this date, Ballou returned to the home uninvited and an altercation took place that led to a single shot being fired.
The investigation is ongoing and the case will be presented to the Commonwealth Attorney to determine if criminal charges will be filed.
Deputy Derek Padgett is investigating the incident and was assisted by Deputy Chandler Staten and Sheriff Josh Brockman. The Columbia Police Department and KY State Police also responded to assist.
