Kentucky honors 3 officers, lowers flags

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Flags at Kentucky state buildings will be lowered to half-staff this morning in honor of three officers killed when a man with a rifle opened fire on them as they attempted to serve a warrant, Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset Thursday in remembrance of Floyd County sheriff’s deputy and Martin City Fire Chief William Petry, Prestonsburg police Capt. Ralph Frasure and Prestonsburg police Officer Jacob Chaffins.

The three were killed Thursday night in an hourslong standoff at a home in Allen, a small town in the hills of Appalachia. A German shepherd police dog named Drago was also killed and several other law enforcement officials were wounded, officials said.

Lance Storz, 49, was taken into custody, authorities said. Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said four deputies initially visited the home, calling for backup when they were shot at. The sheriff said Storz surrendered after negotiations that included family members. He said the deputies were serving a warrant related to domestic violence.

Storz was arraigned Friday. He pleaded innocent to two counts of murder of a police officer and was jailed in lieu of $10 million bond.

“There was one single-lane road leading into his home and the home was in an elevated position. This created a nearly unbreachable position,” said Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams.

The officers “performed valiantly, and did everything in their power to neutralize the suspect and attempt a surrender,” he said.

“Upon surrender, the reality and magnitude of what just occurred began to sink in and our community was going to be forever changed,” Williams said.