Video shows moments leading up to deadly Kentucky police shooting

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – We’re learning new details about a shooting where Kentucky State Police say a London police officer shot and killed 63-year-old Douglas Harless.

Dispatch audio obtained by WKYT from Monday night’s shooting reveals officers were serving a warrant at a different address from where Kentucky State Police say Harless was killed.

KSP says the shooting happened at 511 Vanzant Road in the Lily community.

According to Laurel County dispatch audio, London Police were attempting to serve a warrant at 489 Vanzant Road. The different address from where Harless lived and was killed was repeated at least five times.

Much of the community in Laurel County feels like they’ve been left in the dark as to what exactly happened in the moments leading up to the death of Harless.

Now, surveillance video given to WKYT by a neighbor shows London Police’s response to Harless’ home that night.

The video begins at 11:50 p.m. Monday. London Police are heard banging on Harless’ door and announcing themselves.

Just a few seconds later, they’re heard again.

“Open up the door. Come on out. Police. Open the door with your hands up,” they said.

At 11:51 p.m., officers are seen moving around on Harless’ porch, as others move to different positions around his home.

Then, what sounds like five gunshots are heard.

After the apparent gunshots, things get quiet, and several officers are seen exiting the home, while others gather in the yard.

From Laurel County Dispatch Audio exclusively obtained by WKYT, we know that officers called for assistance around this time.

“Vanzant Road. Stand by in the area. Shots fired,” says a dispatcher.

“Where’d they go?” another voice asks.

“They were at 489 Vanzant serving a search warrant,” the dispatcher responds.

Yet, Kentucky State Police say Harless was shot at 511 Vanzant Road. 489 is just down the road from 511.

WKYT spoke with the owner of the property. He says nobody has lived in 489 for months.

As standard practice, Kentucky State Police are now investigating Harless’ death, and the officer involved is on administrative leave.

WKYT has filed several open records requests to obtain a copy of the search warrant from that night. As of right now, the courts say they do not have those papers. We’ve also requested copies from police.

To hear more of the dispatch audio obtained by WKYT, click here.

This remains a developing story.

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