Three people killed, including gunman, in Kentucky shootings – UPI.com

July 13 (UPI) — Three people are dead, including the gunman, following Sunday’s shootings at a Kentucky airport and church, police said.

Kentucky State Police said in a statement that the first shooting at Blue Grass Airport, located about 6 miles west of downtown Lexington, began at about 11:36 a.m. The suspect then fled the scene, ending up at the Richmond Baptist Church on the other side of the city, where there are “multiple victims,” according to police.

Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said that the gunman shot a Kentucky State Trooper on a terminal road at the airport after the officer pulled the shooter over, prompted by a license plate alert.

“The trooper was shot and the suspect fled,” Weathers said, adding that the officer was stabilized and being treated at the hospital.

Police chased the suspect for about 16 miles before catching up to him near the Richmond Road Baptist Church, where the gunman also opened fire, striking four people, killing two. The officers then fatally wounded the gunman.

Local media reported that the shooter was identified as Guy House, who had a lengthy criminal history.

A statement from the Lexington Police Department said the suspect carjacked a vehicle after shooting the trooper and before reaching the church.

“Preliminary information indicates that the suspect may have had a connection to individuals at the church,” the statement said.

The deceased parishioners were identified as Beverly Gumm, 72, and Christina Combs, 32, according to Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn. Weathers said the two victims were “possibly” related.

The two other victims who were shot at the church remained hospitalized and in stable condition.

In a social media post, Gov. Andy Beshear acknowledged the shootings and said the surviving victims and the trooper were being treated at a nearby hospital.

Kentucky State Police later said on Facebook that “good samaritans” had provided life-saving measures to the trooper who had been shot.

Blue Grass Airport confirmed the shooting and later said all roadways had been reopened.