KY deputy shot and killed after allowing suspect in custody to smoke a cigarette

The kindness displayed by law enforcement in Kentucky toward a suspect ended up costing a sheriff’s deputy his life when a suspect produced a hidden gun and shot him.

Gary Rowland, 30, was arrested on May 16 on drugs and firearm-related warrants, as well as absconding from parole, and after being interviewed for about an hour, Calloway County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jody Cash relented to the suspect’s plea to go outside and smoke a cigarette, Fox News reported. Turns out, Rowland had a gun hidden on him and he shot the deputy.

Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputy Donald Bowman, who accompanied Cash, and Deputy Brandon Little returned fire and Rowland was transported to a local hospital along with Cash, where they were both pronounced deceased, according to WTVQ.

“While smoking, Mr. Rowland produced a handgun, which had been concealed on his person, firing it in the direction of and striking [Cash],” the Kentucky State Police said on Friday after conducting an investigation, according to Fox News.

It’s not clear where Rowland concealed the gun or how the weapon went undetected during his arrest.

Deputy Cash had been in law enforcement for 22 years, serving as a Kentucky state trooper, an officer with the Murray State University Police Department, and with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office.

“This deputy has paid the ultimate sacrifice today while serving our commonwealth,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said at the time. “Let us honor the life, bravery and service of this deputy.”

Tom Tillison

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