The family of a man from Knott County, Kentucky who was shot and killed by law enforcement officers in 2024 has filed a lawsuit accusing them of using excessive force during the encounter.
According to the complaint, Travis Pratt, 25, was killed on Sept. 9, 2024, when he was shot by Bruce Kelley, a trooper with the Kentucky State Police, and Wesley Bolen, a deputy with the Knott County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred in the community of Littcarr, Kentucky.
Authorities had responded to a report that a man with a knife was attempting to enter a home. However, attorneys representing Pratt’s family say he was not carrying any weapon at the time.
Possible mistaken identity
According to the lawsuit, the caller who contacted authorities believed Pratt might have been the suspect linked to a deadly shooting that occurred along Interstate-75 in Laurel County, Kentucky the day before.
Investigators later discovered the body of the actual suspect in a wooded area north of London, Kentucky with what authorities said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lawsuit claims situation escalated unnecessary
The lawsuit states that Pratt was inside a bathroom in a residence when officers confronted him and that he appeared to be experiencing serious mental health issues.
Family attorneys allege the officers ignored attempts from another trooper who knew Pratt and wanted to speak with him over the radio to help calm the situation.
The complaint further claims Trooper Kelley entered the bathroom believing Pratt might escape through a window, although the room allegedly did not have an exterior window.
Officers then deployed stun guns, causing Pratt to fall. According to the lawsuit, Pratt grabbed a broken shower head from the floor afterward, and the officers fired more than a dozen gunshots, killing him.
Family argues de-escalation should have been used
The lawsuit argues that Pratt did not pose an immediate threat and that the situation could have been handled through de-escalation tactics, particularly because both officers had received crisis intervention training.
Attorney David Barber, who is representing Pratt’s family through Thomas Law Offices, said officers had the situation contained and should have taken more time to resolve it peacefully.
Officers remain under scrutiny
Following the incident, both officers were placed on administrative leave, though no criminal charges were filed.
Dale Richardson, the sheriff of Knott County, confirmed that Deputy Bolen remains employed with the department. Officials said they had not yet been formally served with the lawsuit and declined further comment.
Pratt’s family is seeking financial damages, including compensation for lost future earnings, pain and suffering, funeral expenses and attorney fees, along with punitive damages.