FLOYD COUNTY, KY – Police officers in Floyd County who were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on the evening of June 30th came under heavy gunfire, resulting in two officers and a police K9 being killed and several others being injured.

Few details have been shared regarding the incident that unfolded at a residence located off of Railroad Street in Allen, with authorities having only revealed the number of those injured and killed along with the identity of the suspect involved in the matter.

Four Floyd County deputies were reportedly in the process of serving a warrant regarding a domestic violence incident to 49-year-old Lance Storz when the deputies came under immediate rifle fire at approximately 2:00 p.m. on June 30th, with two deputies being struck right at the onset.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart stated that troopers were called out to the scene to assist the officers coming under fire, with the shots-fired call escalating to an active-shooter scene. Additionally, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also responded to the scene to assist local law enforcement.

Local reports described the stand-off as being a hostage situation as well, with Storz having allegedly barricaded himself inside his home while holding his wife and daughter captive. However, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley later confirmed the two were already in a safe location prior to the shootout.

In total, authorities say two officers and a police K9 were fatally shot during the shootout, with five other officers and an Emergency Management director being injured.

Storz was eventually taken into custody and has since been arraigned for two counts of murder of a police officer, attempted murder, and first-degree assault on a service animal. The suspect reportedly pleaded not guilty during his July 1st arraignment, with the bond being set at $10 million.

Governor Andy Beshear issued a brief statement bemoaning the tragic loss of life, saying, “Floyd County and our brave first responders suffered a tragic loss last night. I want to ask all of Kentucky to join me in praying for this community. This is a tough morning for our commonwealth.”

The specific condition of those injured during the shootout has not been released by officials, with reports only noting that the officers were transported to various area hospitals for treatment. Furthermore, the identities of the deceased officers have also yet to be revealed.

Speaking to reporters on July 1st, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt claimed that the suspect had planned on opening fire at officers, saying, “This guy seemed to (have a) plan, and he executed that plan almost to precision.”

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Floyd County Attorney Bartley also added to that theory, explaining how the suspect had used multiple weapons and a variety of ammunition to target law enforcement, describing the scene as “a war zone.”

Storz’s next court appearance is slated for July 11th.

This piece was written by Gregory Hoyt on July 1, 2022. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.

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